How to Roast Amaranth

The United Nations is encouraging poor nations to grow amaranth, according to Eden Foods.

Amaranth was considered one of the foods of the gods by the early Aztec people, who ate it on a daily basis. Although it resembles a grain, it is actually the seed of a vegetable related to spinach. The small seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, containing more protein than wheat and a variety of vitamins. Before use, the seeds are often roasted to remove any strong flavor and make them sweeter. Does this Spark an idea?

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Cast iron skillet
Dried amaranth seeds
Wooden spoon

Instructions

- 1
  
  Place a cast iron skillet on the stove. Heat on a medium-high setting.
- 2
  
  Toss a few drops of water in the pan by flicking them off your fingertips. They should sizzle when they hit the pan, indicating it is hot and ready for the amaranth.
- 3
  
  Pour about 2 tbsp. of amaranth seeds into the hot skillet. Spread them around so they are in one even layer.
- 4
  
  Stir the seeds, non-stop, as they begin to brown and make small popping noises.
- 5
  
  Continue to stir the seeds, continuously, until they stop popping and are a brown color. Remove the pan from the heat, and continue stirring as they cool to prevent burning.