Hey there, health enthusiasts! 👋
Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Do you dream of a morning meal that's both delicious and packed with goodness? Well, dream no more! Today, I'm sharing my latest obsession: Amaranth Porridge with Raspberry Chia Jam! It's a game-changer for your breakfast table. Forget those boring bowls of cereal, this is a real treat.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: 'Amaranth? What's that?' Well, my friends, it's time to get acquainted with this ancient super-grain! It's like the cool, under-the-radar cousin of quinoa, boasting a complete set of amino acids and a serious dose of fibre. Plus, it cooks up super quickly, making it a perfect base for a quick breakfast.
My family has a tradition of big Sunday morning porridges - not with amaranth it must be said - but the concept of a warming hearty bowl of something has always been a winner for me. I still love a good oat porridge, but sometimes you need to mix it up. And that's where this recipe shines!
The Magic of Amaranth
This isn't just any porridge! Amaranth has a slightly nutty and earthy flavour which is absolutely delicious. Now, some people will tell you that amaranth needs to be soaked to reduce phytic acid – a compound that can hinder mineral absorption. I'm on the fence with this as it is also thought that this is a useful compound, and other things like eating garlic and onion can mitigate any issues. However, as you are unlikely to want onion in your porridge - go ahead and soak it for a few hours if you have time, it won't hurt!
Raspberry Chia Jam: A Burst of Flavour!
And what's a great porridge without some amazing toppings? This isn't just a quick throw together, this is the best bit! Forget sugary jams, this vibrant raspberry chia jam is where it is at! Made with frozen raspberries (because, let's be honest, who always has fresh ones handy?), it's a breeze to make and adds a sweet, tangy, and nutritious kick. The chia seeds help thicken it up and provide an extra dose of fibre and omega-3s. It really is the perfect combo.
And here's the best bit, you can vary the toppings to suit your mood. Feeling autumnal? Try some spiced apples or pears. Want a bit of festive cheer? My maple orange roasted cranberries work a treat. The world is your porridge bowl!
Recipe for Amaranth Porridge with Raspberry Chia Jam
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Porridge:
- 50g (½ cup) amaranth
- 180ml (¾ cup) plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat - whatever you fancy!)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- A pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- A pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
- A handful of mixed nuts and seeds, lightly toasted
- Maple syrup or agave syrup, to serve (optional)
For the Raspberry Chia Jam:
- 250g (0.5 lb) frozen raspberries, thawed
- Maple syrup or agave syrup, to taste (optional)
- 4 teaspoons chia seeds or ground flax seeds
Method
- (Optional) Warm up your porridge bowl in a low oven while cooking
- Rinse the amaranth. Then place rinsed (and soaked if you have time) amaranth into a pan with your plant milk (or a mix of plant milk and water). Add any spices you'd like.
- Bring to a boil, and then simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring now and then. It's ready when it looks like cooked polenta.
- While the porridge is cooking, toast your nuts and seeds in a dry pan and prepare the raspberry jam.
- To make the jam - simply mash the thawed raspberries with a fork, sweeten to your liking, stir in the chia seeds, and let it thicken for 10 minutes.
- Serve the porridge warm in your warmed bowl, topped with the raspberry jam, toasted nuts and seeds, and a drizzle of maple syrup (if desired). The warmth of the porridge mixed with the cold jam is a taste sensation.
Tips and Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a dollop of your favorite nut butter to take it up a notch.
- Feel free to mix different berries or fruits into the chia jam – blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries all work great.
- If you don't have chia seeds, flaxseeds work well as a substitute.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed: Amaranth is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with fibre, protein, and essential minerals.
- Easy and Quick: This breakfast takes just 20 minutes to make, perfect for busy mornings.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, suitable for everyone.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the toppings to your taste preferences.
So, there you have it! A super satisfying and healthy breakfast that is good for you. Let me know if you try this recipe! Tag me on Instagram if you do - I love to see what you make!