Vanilla Popped Amaranth and Chia Porridge

Amaranth is another great gluten free grain option for people with an intolerance to oats, like me. It is packed with healthy carbs and protein - 8 grams of protein per serving! I have eaten amaranth as porridge in the past, but it always took too long to cook when just using the unpopped grains. I have popped amaranth grains as well, but usually eat them with something savory.

This morning I had an epiphany to pop the grains first, THEN cook them like I normally would cook my porridge! And VOILA, this perfection was created! It is so creamy and fluffy, I don't think I'm ever going back to buckwheat!
Serves 1

You will need:

• 4 tbsp (or 1/4 cup) dry, unpopped Amaranth 
• 1 - 1.25 cups water
• 1 banana
• 1/3 cup egg whites
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

To pop your amaranth, heat a large sauce pan that has a lid over high heat so the bottom becomes extremely hot. You'll know the pan is hot enough when a few drops of water dance around the bottom. 

Using one tablespoon at a time, pour your amaranth into the pan and immediately cover with the lid. Shake the amaranth around the pan, and it will begin to pop. It's important that you pour the amaranth into a bowl as soon as it finishes popping, because it will start to burn if you leave it in the pan. Repeat with 3 more tablespoons of the amaranth.

Cut your banana in half and mash one half completely into a puree. Place the water in a small sauce pan and turn on the heat to medium high. Once the water is warm but not boiling, pour in the popped amaranth. Stir with a fork until all the grains soak up water. Next, add your chia seeds. They will soak up some of the water while it cooks. Add your mashed banana and stir again. Add your egg whites and turn down the heat to medium, or medium low. Stir the porridge continuously to incorporate the egg whites, which helps make it super creamy and fluffy. In the last couple minutes of cooking, add the vanilla extract. This helps maintain the vanilla flavor.

Continue to stir until the egg whites cook and the porridge has thickened. Pour into a bowl and top with whatever you like!

Enjoy! :)