Amaranth Pilaf Recipe Is Unusual and Delicious

Name: Delicious Amaranth Pilaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups water (or combination chicken broth and water); 1 cup amaranth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons softened butter; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (if desired)

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 6 servings

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Amaranth pilaf is a nice change of pace from ordinary pilafs that use white or brown rice. Amaranth is an ancient whole grain that has a nutty taste and a chewy texture that should be used more than it is. The grain is round and tiny, similar to couscous. Use it as a side dish for grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or pork chops.

You can use other herbs in place of the thyme if you'd like in this easy recipe. Some dried basil, marjoram, or oregano would be delicious. For an added burst of flavor, stir in some chopped fresh herbs or parsley just before serving.

You can also make this recipe with beef broth or vegetable broth. For a heartier dish, stir in some grated Parmesan or Swiss cheese when the amaranth is tender. The cheese will melt when the dish stands to steam. Stir gently and serve.

3 cups water, or combination of chicken broth and water
1 cup amaranth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh herbs, optional

In a medium saucepan, combine the water or chicken broth and water, amaranth, salt, and thyme.
Bring this mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the amaranth is tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes to steam. Stir in the butter and pepper, and fresh herbs, if using, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
76	Calories
4g	Fat
8g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories	76
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g	6%
Saturated Fat 2g	12%
Cholesterol 10mg	3%
Sodium 184mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 8g	3%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 26mg	2%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 58mg	1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.