Amaranth Breakfast Porridge. {gf/df}

I have never been a breakfast person. For years I was more of a cup of coffee and run kind of person. But with the advent of autoimmune disease, I have a schedule for my supplements and medications, and eating before I take anything is critical. We also cannot eat gluten, so that eradicates a whole bunch of possibilities. So what is left is eggs, GF toast, GF oats...meh. I'm not a big sweets or bread person. I'm also not a huge fan of repetition. I spend a lot of time cooking dinners every day, so I don't want to spend a ton of time on breakfast or lunch. Amaranth is a nice alternative for breakfast. It is a seed, not a grain, and it is a complete protein packed with all of the essential amino acids, iron, magnesium, fiber, and even calcium. You can cook it, bake it, boil it, or even pop it. This breakfast is quick and easy and has a lot of flavor. And you can add different toppings to change it up - fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut, hemp seeds, warm apples pan-sautéed with a little maple syrup and molasses...the possibilities are endless!

Amaranth Breakfast Porridge

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{wholly rooted}

This is a healthy warm breakfast - a great GF alternative to creamy hot cereal. This version is dairy-free!

{ingredients}

• 1 cup amaranth grains, soaked overnight

• 2 cups of water

• 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped - or 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• pinch of sea salt

• pinch ground nutmeg

• pinch ground cloves

• 1/2 cup fresh fruit of choice (blueberries, strawberries, banana, etc.)

• 2 cups coconut milk

• Maple syrup to taste.

Soak the amaranth grains in 2 cups of water overnight.

In the morning, drain and rinse in a fine strainer.

Combine rinsed amaranth with the 2 cups of coconut milk and a pinch of sea salt in a pot.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes with the lid on. Peek in to stir every few minutes.

Add the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and stir.

Remove from heat and let sit for 10-15 minutes with the lid on.

Spoon into bowls, add any fresh fruit you like on top, and drizzle with maple syrup to taste.

Enjoy while still warm.

Mix it up: Try sprinkling toasted coconut on top with warm banana slices and maple syrup! Yum.

Makes 2 servings.

Published March 18, 2016

​A bowl of amaranth porridge is perfect for spring mornings - it warms you up, fills you up, and gives you energy to get moving on busy spring days. Kids love it too, and everyone can have their favorite toppings!