With an Instant Pot and less than 30 minutes, you can make perfectly cooked amaranth every time! Let us show you how.
What is Amaranth?
Amaranth is a pseudograin, which means it’s technically a seed but can be cooked and used similar to other grains. It has a nutty, mildly sweet flavor and slight crunch when cooked.
Amaranth was considered a “super grain” by the Aztecs. They saw it as a nutritious option for infants and found it provided enough strength for soldiers! This makes sense considering it’s rich in iron, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, calcium, vitamin B6, and protein. It also contains all the essential amino acids.
Instant Pot Amaranth
Cooking amaranth in the Instant Pot is our preferred method. It’s fast, easy, and results in creamy, perfectly cooked amaranth that doesn’t stick to the pan!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Ratio = 1 part amaranth : 2 parts water
- Cook Time = 5 minutes
- Release = 10 minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure
It makes a delicious breakfast porridge, especially with fresh or frozen fruit, nuts and/or seeds, dairy-free milk, nut butter, cacao nibs, cinnamon, or your favorite toppings!
Did you find this helpful? If so, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide for perfectly cooked grains and beans every time!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Instant Pot Amaranth (Fast, Creamy, No Soaking!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth
- 2 cups water (or dairy-free milk for a creamier result)
FOR SERVING optional
- Fresh or frozen fruit
- Nuts/seeds
- Dairy-free milk
- Nut butter
- Cinnamon
- Cacao nibs
Instructions
- Add amaranth and water (or dairy-free milk) to the Instant Pot and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
- Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped.
- Enjoy immediately with toppings of choice. Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding more liquid, if needed, to thin.
Notes
*Total time includes active cook time, release time, and the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up (~8 minutes).
Pri says
Hey, can we use pot in pot for this? If yes, what would be the pressure cook time for that?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Pri, we haven’t experimented with that method, so we’re not sure! Let us know if you try it!
Priscilla says
Never knew how to cook amaranth until I got an instant pot and saw your recipe. It was delicious I used dairy free milk, 1/8 tsp, an apple and 1 tsbp of maple syrup.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Sounds delish! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Priscilla!
Amber says
Delicious easy and nutritious. I threw a few frozen blueberries in when its cooking and add pecans and a little syrup when its done. Nice recipe to add to my rotation!! Tried to cook this on stove top once and almost gave up on this ingredient so glad I tried it this way.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Amber! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Lynn says
So I was in trader joes and saw a rolled oats. amaranth & quinoa blend. I think it had directions for stovetop and microwave but not IP. I was curious to try it because of the health benefits of these foods (it might even have had chia in it) but I wasn’t keen on cooking it on the stovetop so I passed. I don’t like cooking amaranth on the stove top– it didn’t come put the way I would’ve hoped. I think i will try this method. And maybe combine it with steel cut oats. Maybe a quarter cup of each and 1.5 cups of water on high for 5 mins. I’m only cooking for ne so I don’t want huge amounts of it and I’m not interested in doing pot in pot. What are your thoughts?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Sounds like a lovely combo! It’s hard to say without trying it ourselves, but that timing and amount of liquid sounds about right. We’d say 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups liquid. Let us know how it goes!
Mona says
Thank you! Super easy. Came out perfect, creamy. Love the nutty flavor of Amaranth. Great with maple syrup and walnuts. Next i will try your instant pot millet. :)
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Lovely! Thanks so much for sharing, Mona!
Lorenza says
Thanks, yes, it is indeed delicious with fruits. Best to find other ways to make bars. Ciao!
Joanna says
Can you use amaranth powder too?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’ve never tried that, but we don’t see why not. You may need to add more water though. Let us know if you do some experimenting!
Joanna says
Thank you!! I’ll try it and comment on how it goes
Lorenza says
Hi
What can you do with the amaranth cream? Any recipes? How long does it keep? Can it be frozen? I made too much 🤣!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Lorenza, we’re not sure what you mean by amaranth cream? Do you mean the porridge? Sure, it can be frozen.
Trisha Sease says
This was so fast and easy and turned out perfectly!! We topped ours with a splash of coconut milk, cinnamon and sweetened it with dates a delicious! Thank you!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Trisha!
Lorenza says
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I mean the porridge. What can be done with it? I would like to use it to make energy bars. I saw lots of recipes online with popped amaranth, and I am not into that. I would like to use the porridge, just dont know how to proceed to make bars out of it. Thanks again.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Lorenza, we aren’t sure of a way to make bars out of it because it would be too moist. It’s best as a porridge topped with fresh fruit and nuts/seeds.