Creamy Amaranth Porridge (vegan and gluten-free)

Sep 19, 2023 by Hannah Sunderani

Creamy Amaranth Porridge (vegan and gluten-free)

Switch up your morning routine with this creamy amaranth porridge! It’s a one pot recipe and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. This amaranth porridge is sweet and nutty with a slightly crunchy texture, it’s protein-packed and the perfect healthy way to start a busy day. 

If you love my 20-Minute Creamy Quinoa Porridge, you’re going to LOVE this amaranth recipe! It’s the perfect recipe to replace Traditional Oatmeal if you’re celiac (or simply gluten-free), or if you just want to switch up your morning breakfast routine. It has the same irresistible, creamy texture as my popular quinoa porridge, yet is made with a base of the ancient crop, amaranth. 

Amaranth has a long standing history as a staple food in Aztec and Incan civilizations and has recently become popular again due to its impressive nutrition. It’s also naturally gluten-free, which is ideal for anyone struggling with the digestion of wheat! Once you give it a try, you’ll be hooked by it’s sweet and nutty flavour. I’ve no doubt that it will quickly become one of your favourite porridge recipes. 

I love it topped with ripe and juicy pears and toasted pecans, but depending on the season and your cravings you can top with seasonal fruit or your favourite toppings like pumpkin seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter. 

This Amaranth Porridge is….

• Vegan 
• naturally gluten-free
• Sweet and nutty
• Creamy
• Toddler-approved
• High protein!
• The perfect breakfast bowl
• Meal prep friendly

What are the benefits of eating amaranth?

Aside from being a naturally gluten-free grain, this little seed is often referred to as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll want to be incorporating this ancient grain into your family’s diet! 

• It’s nutrient dense. Amaranth grains are packed with vitamins and minerals, most notably B vitamins, manganese, iron, magnesium phosphorus, selenium, and copper. 
• It’s a complete protein source. You may have heard that quinoa is a plant-based superstar when it comes to protein, but amaranth actually contains slightly more protein! It also contains all of the essential amino acids making it a complete protein!
• Aids digestion. Since this creamy porridge is a great source of fiber, it helps support healthy digestion and supports healthy gut microbiome. You can even add a scoop of my Homemade Coconut Yogurt for an extra boost of probiotics promoting gut health.  
• Potentially anti-inflammatory. In addition to being nutrient dense, protein rich, and a friend to your digestion, amaranth studies show a potential connection between this hearty grain and anti-inflammatory effects! 

Ingredient Notes

You’ll need just 4 simple ingredients to make this amaranth porridge recipe: 

• Amaranth – This healthy grain may be difficult to find in mainstream grocery stores, but is often stocked at your local health food stores or bulk food stores. Be sure to check the shelves near other whole grains such as rice, oats, quinoa, polenta etc. If your store carries it, it should be nearby! Otherwise, you can always order it online from large retailers like Amazon or Well.ca. 
• Coconut milk – Adds a creamy coconut flavour. I always recommend using full-fat coconut milk – lite coconut milks are essentially the same product with added water. If you prefer a lighter flavour, add your own water (it’s cheaper!). If you’re out of coconut milk, Homemade Almond Milk will work in a pinch!
• Maple syrup – Sweetens this porridge with subtle undertones of caramel and vanilla and helps to enhance the nutty flavours in the amaranth.  
• Ground cardamom –  Adds a slightly spicy warmth that is so comforting in any sweet porridge! (I truly think this spice needs more hype!)

How to Make Amaranth Porridge

If you’ve ever made one of my oatmeal recipes or even fluffy quinoa, making this amaranth porridge will be a breeze for you! Simply combine the amaranth and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, slightly lower the heat, and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently until the amaranth is soft and cooked. When it’s ready the consistency should be of a thick porridge. 

After 25 minutes or so, pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. This will add a nice creaminess and help thin out the porridge to the perfect consistency. Finally stir in the maple syrup, cardamom, and salt for flavor.

Enjoy with the toasted pecans, sliced pear, or additional fresh fruit of choice like fresh berries. 

Recipe FAQs

Does amaranth taste like oats?

While both oats and amaranth are considered whole grains, they are distinctly different in many ways. For example, the flavour of amaranth is often described as nutty and earthy, whereas oats are much more mild and slightly sweet tasting. Additionally, amaranth has a unique texture when cookies, often described as sticky or gelatinous. 

Does amaranth need to be rinsed before cooking?

As with any whole grain or legume, armaranth should be rinsed thoroughly before cooking. This is going to help remove any excess starch, dirt, debris, or other impurities from their surface. I like to do this by placing the amaranth in a fine mesh sieve and running it under cool, clean water until the water runs clear. 

Should amaranth be refrigerated?

Dry, uncooked amaranth can be stored in your kitchen cupboards and makes an excellent, long-lasting plant-based staple. Once cooked, however, it should be stored in the refrigerator. I recommend transferring any leftovers to an airtight container and keeping for up to 5 days. Leftovers can be reheated with an additional splash of coconut milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. 

Can I freeze this creamy amaranth porridge?

Yes! This porridge is an excellent recipe to freeze if you’ve made too much or want to freeze individual servings your family can quickly reheat on their own. To freeze, allow the porridge to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, portioning into individual servings, if desired, then freeze for up to 3 months.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes You Might Like:

• Maple Apple Butter Oatmeal
• Savoury Oatmeal with Squash and Pepita (Vegan)
• Fried Apple and Almond Butter Oatmeal
• 3-Ingredient Steel Cut Oatmeal with Fried Banana (Vegan)
• Creamy Quinoa Porridge (Vegan)
• Barley Porridge with Red Berries (Vegan)

I hope you love this Amaranth Porridge as much as I do! If you do make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check out The Two Spoons App for more vegan breakfast recipes like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have. 

And of course, tag me on Instagram with your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations. 

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• Fall
• Winter
• 1-Pot
• 10 ingredients or less
• 30 mins or less