Name: Amaranth Pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups amaranth leaves (trimmed and washed); 1 cup amaranth seeds + 2 tbsp seeds (for garnish); 1 onion, finely diced; 1 clove garlic, finely diced; Cooking oil of choice; Desired seasoning (e.g., salt, pepper, herbs, or spices)

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Yield: 4

Amaranth Pilaf

Amaranth Pilaf is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the nutty, earthy taste of amaranth seeds with the tender, slightly spinach-like flavor of amaranth leaves. Enhanced with the aromatic blend of sautéed onions and garlic, the pilaf is a wholesome and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a satisfying main course. The toasted amaranth seeds add a delightful crunch, while the seared leaves provide a vibrant and nutritious element. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters and adventurous cooks alike.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups amaranth leaves (trimmed and washed)
1 cup amaranth seeds + 2 tbsp seeds (for garnish)
1 onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, finely diced
Cooking oil of choice
Desired seasoning (e.g., salt, pepper, herbs, or spices)

Instructions

Preparation:

Heat three pans:
A small pot for the pilaf.
A small skillet for toasting amaranth seeds.
A medium skillet for searing amaranth leaves.
Add cooking oil to each pan and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat for the small and medium skillets.

Pilaf:

In the small pot, add 1 cup of amaranth seeds to the sautéed onion and garlic. Toast for 3–5 minutes.
Add 3 cups of water, stir, and cover with a well-fitting lid.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 25 minutes.
Let the pilaf stand with the lid on for an additional 15 minutes.

Searing Leaves:

Reheat the medium skillet.
Add the amaranth leaves to the onion and garlic mixture and sear until tender and slightly wilted.

Toasting Seeds:

Reheat the small skillet.
Toast the remaining 2 tablespoons of amaranth seeds with the onion and garlic mixture until lightly golden.

Serve:

Plate the amaranth pilaf.
Top with seared leaves and toasted seeds.
Enjoy as a side dish or a main meal.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 6gSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 6gProtein: 8g