A macrobiotic diet is a plant-based diet that is said to most closely resemble the diet of humans prior to the domestication of animals. The macrobiotic diet consists of organic whole grains, beans, vegetables and occasional servings of nut, seeds and fruits.
Originally cultivated by the Aztecs, amaranth is valued for its high protein content and the amino acids lysine and methionine. Amaranth also contains calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins A, C and E. Because the plant is so easily prepared, it suits the macrobiotic standards of minimal cooking and processing, yet the grain provides a nutritious addition to a meal or snack and is easily incorporated into more complex dishes.
Step 1
Combine 1 ½ cups of water and ½ cup of amaranth in a small pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 25 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed. Serve the amaranth as-is or combine it with steamed vegetables.
Step 2
Purchase organic amaranth seed from your local health food store and grind it into flour with a food mill. Mix the flour with water to a dough consistency, flatten and bake in the oven until brown. Dip pieces of the amaranth flatbread into hummus or vegetable spreads.
Step 3
Improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free baked goods by substituting up to 25 percent of the gluten-free flour with amaranth. Use amaranth as a thickening agent in place of flour and cornstarch.
Step 4
Place a single layer of amaranth seeds into a preheated skillet. Shake the skillet gently until the seeds pop, about 20 seconds. Eat the popped seeds as-is for a nutritious snack, or as a cereal with sweetener and milk.
Step 5
Buy amaranth seeds from a retailer who specializes in heirloom and organic seeds. Plant the seeds outdoors and harvest the leaves for use in salads or as a replacement for spinach leaves in recipes.
Tips and Warnings
- If you grow your own amaranth, allow a few hardy plants to go to seed to harvest for your next planting.
Things You'll Need
- Amaranth seeds
- Amaranth flour
- Food mill
- Skillet
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