She Strengthens

Discover the Nutty Delight of Popped Amaranth Granola

Amaranth, a protein-rich seed with a fresh flavor, takes center stage in this sweet and crunchy granola recipe. When popped like popcorn, these tiny grains develop a nutty flavor and crispy texture that pairs perfectly with coconut, cashews, and a hint of honey.

The Benefits of Amaranth

This ancient seed, once considered a weed, boasts an impressive nutritional profile. With its high protein content and versatility in baked goods, amaranth is a great addition to a healthy diet. You can find amaranth at your local health food store, gourmet grocery store, or online.

Storing Your Granola

This recipe yields 6 cups of granola that can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Perfect for snacking on the go or as a topping for your favorite yogurt or oatmeal.

Recipe Overview

Yields: 6 cups
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 35 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup amaranth seeds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup whole raw cashews, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup flaked, unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped

Let’s Get Started!

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat.
2. Pop the Amaranth: Add the amaranth to the pan and cover with a mesh splatter screen or glass lid. Shake the pan continuously until about half of the seeds have popped, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the seeds to a large bowl.
3. Sugar Mixture: Combine butter, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until the butter has melted and the brown sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Combine and Mix: Add the sugar mixture, cashews, coconut, and oats to the reserved amaranth. Stir until the mixture is moist throughout.
5. Bake to Perfection: Evenly spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake until toasted and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir and continue to bake until lightly browned all over, about 5 minutes more.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Stir in cherries and serve. Enjoy!