Amaranth Porridge With Walnuts and Honey

This simple, nourishing amaranth recipe turns the naturally gluten-free seed into a tender porridge with a subtle nuttiness. Amaranth holds its texture even if slightly overcooked, making it a forgiving choice for busy mornings; instead of going completely soft (like oatmeal), the seeds retain a pleasant pop.

Top this cozy breakfast bowl with toasted pecans or walnuts, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a hearty high-protein breakfast you can batch cook and reheat all week.

Tips for cooking amaranth porridge

Batch it: Store cooked amaranth in the fridge for several days; loosen with milk or water when reheating over low.

Spice it up: Stir in about ½ tsp. cinnamon, cardamom, or ground ginger for a sweet profile. Up the ante with a splash of vanilla extract or the zest of an orange.

Go savory: Skip the honey and stir in a pinch of turmeric for color and earthiness, black pepper for floral heat, or ground cumin or smoked paprika for distinct umami. Top the bowls with a fried egg, greens, or sautéed mushrooms.

Add other grains or seeds: Split the amaranth with quinoa, millet, or buckwheat groats—these all cook in approximately the same timeframe and use the same 1:2 grain-to-water ratio. You can also stir in chia seeds or ground flaxseed after cooking for added body and nutrition.

Recipe information

• Total Time 30 minutes
• Yield 4–6 servings

Preparation

• Step 1. Combine 2 cups amaranth and 4 cups water in a large (3–4-qt.) heavy saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Using a heatproof rubber spatula, push any seeds clinging to sides of pot into liquid, then reduce heat to low, re-cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, 20–25 minutes. Stir in ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Step 2. Remove pan from heat and let sit, still covered, 10 minutes. Divide amaranth among bowls and top with broken or chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds; honey or pure maple syrup; and milk as desired. Editor’s note: This amaranth recipe was first printed in January 2014; it has been updated for style. Head this way for more of our favorite breakfast recipes →