Sunday Breakfast

This post is going to be one where both my mother and grandmother laugh at me because they have no idea what I’m eating.

Today’s breakfast was brought to you courtesy of the edible perspective, who introduced me to popped amaranth. I’m always looking for tasty ways to sneak in protein, and I was interested when Ashley mentioned this easy meal.

I bought mine in the bulk bin at Whole Foods, because I wasn’t so sure at first. Turns out popped amaranth is a delicious, wholesome breakfast (or anytime meal!).

Popping the amaranth is easy. Just heat up a skillet, toss in a bit of amaranth, cover and shake the pan until it all pops. It takes only seconds for it to pop. The proper temperature is essential because it burns easily! Play around with what works best on your stove. I may or may not have burned several batches before I hit the sweet spot.

After it’s popped, it’s time for the toppings! Amaranth tastes pretty bland on it’s own, so I added in some strawberries. Next time I would also add some sweetener, maybe some maple syrup? I could use sweetened rice milk, too. I definitely want to try amaranth with some nuts and a glob of sunflower butter!

The texture of amaranth is probably the weirdest part. It’s all so tiny, it feels like eating the inside of a beanie baby.

Obviously I didn’t care because I ate the whole thing.

The grains are light and airy, just like popcorn, and it does taste like breakfast cereal! Amaranth and quinoa are in the same family (pseudo-cereal), and apparently you can pop quinoa the same way. Who knew?

I haven’t been a big fan of cereal since I gave up Special K and stopped drinking cow’s milk, but I might just have to make room for a new favorite.