Amaranth is a really cool grain that is tiny, tiny, tiny but packs big, big nutrients. Naturally gluten-free, this grain is another one of those hidden gems that has been around for thousands of years. The tiny amaranth seeds come from over more than 60 different species of tall plants that have broad green leaves and colorful purple, red, or gold flowers.
As with other whole grains, amaranth is high in protein, fiber, is great for heart health, and can help lower cholesterol among other positive health benefits. Plus, it’s kind of a cool little grain.
When cooked with liquid, amaranth becomes paste-like making it ideal as a substitution for peanut butter and other nut butters in some recipes. The seeds can be heated and popped for a flavorful addition to salads, cookie recipes, sprinkled on fruit parfaits for a fun little crunch. In this recipe, molasses is used to bind together popped amaranth, dried cherries and given a hint of bright citrus flavor with orange zest, not the juice. Filled with natural sugars, this snack is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up energy bite.
Nutrition:
Serving size: 1 “bite”
Calories: 43
Fat: 0.3g
Saturated fat: 0.0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 4mg
Potassium: 140mg
Carbohydrates: 9.6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 4.7g
Protien: 0.7g In this calorie-slashing collection, The Bikini Chef® Susan Irby offers recipes for switching up ingredients that keep calories to a minimum. Complete with serving-size suggestions and “Skinny Secret” shortcuts to trim calories in little ways, here you’ll get expertly crafted recipes that include offerings for every meal of the day!
