Can I pop my own amaranth??

Yes, you can pop it just like popcorn , just make sure to do it one tablespoon at a time.

Where can I buy puffed amaranth??

It is readily available online , but you can also find it in health food stores like Whole Foods.

Apricot Amaranth Granola

This crunchy and sweet apricot amaranth is made with puffed amaranth, almond butter, almonds, hemp seeds, and dried apricots. I like to pour milk into it for a quick breakfast or use it to top a yogurt parfait. The possibilities are endless!

jar of amaranth granola on white background

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This granola is incredibly easy to make and is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free. It is a cost-saving delicious alternative to store-bought granola.

What is Amaranth??

Amaranth is one of America’s oldest grains. It was known as huauhtlu by the Aztecs and widely used by the Incan and Mayan cultures. Both the leaves of the plant and the grain have been used in Mexican cuisine for hundreds of years.

It was also used in ritual practices, by grinding it and mixing it with honey or blood to create statutes of their gods, which were then eaten with reverence. Honoring this tradition, every Dia de Muertos I make these Chocolate Amaranth Skulls.

How to Use Amaranth?

Amaranth can be eaten cooked, ground into flour, or popped. One of my favorite ways to eat amaranth is in the candy alegría. Popped amaranth is mixed with honey or piloncillo, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and raisins then formed into bars.

In the cooked form you can make porridge, as a supplement to other grains (add it to your rice), or in soups and stews. Amaranth is also an excellent source of protein, fiber, and minerals.

Ingredients

Hemp seeds – Hemp seeds or hemp hearts are the seed of the hemp plant. They are a nutritious nut that is rich in essential fatty acids, specifically omega 3 and omega 6. It is also a good source of protein, vitamin E, and minerals.

Puffed amaranth – I recommend you buy already puffed amaranth. If you have leftover amaranth you could make these puffed amaranth chocolate granola bars.

Apricots – Use only dried apricots for this recipe. If you don’t have apricots you can easily substitute them for golden raisins.

Step-by-step Ingredients

from left to right dry ingredients mixed in bowl, wet ingredients mixed in bowl, wet ingredients poured over dry ingredients

In a bowl combine the rolled oats, almonds, walnuts, puffed amaranth, hemp seeds, cinnamon, brown sugar, and mix.
In another bowl combine the dried apricots, date syrup, apple sauce, and almond butter.
Whisk until it is completely incorporated.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

from left to right, mix granola in bowl, place on sheet tray, spoon showing granola texture, milk being poured into granola

5. Use your hands to mix it all in.

6. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake at 325°F until it is golden brown about 20 minutes.

7. Let cool completely before eating.

8. I like to add some milk to it and eat it for breakfast.

Serving

Serve as cereal or use it to top your yogurt or fruit.

Storing

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.