how to cook amaranth?

[redkitty]

I tried to cook amaranth today.  The recipe I have said to cook 1.5 cups of water to 1/2 cup of amaranth for 20 minutes.  that didn't work.  Kept it on for another 10 minutes and it still didn't seem done.  I googled how to cook it and I keep getting different ratios...2 parts water to 1 part amaranth  or 3 parts water to one part amaranth.  So has anyone here cooked it? If so, how? I am actually trying to make baby food, so I just need the seed cooked...so not cooked in anything. I will mix in fruit puree for her.  TIA.

[merigayle]

One grain i have never cooked! Did you buy it in bulk? I used millet and quinoa for baby food and rice.

[witchypoo]

well, what kind of result do you want?  if you want hot cereal, cook it 2:1, liquid to amaranth.  bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer until it's cooked to your liking. 

if you want to serve it as a side (like rice or couscous), try a ratio of 1:1.  bring it to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.  but keep an eye on it.  i've had it turn from uncooked to blech in no time.

[redkitty]

well, what kind of result do you want?  if you want hot cereal, cook it 2:1, liquid to amaranth.  bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer until it's cooked to your liking. 

if you want to serve it as a side (like rice or couscous), try a ratio of 1:1.  bring it to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.  but keep an eye on it.  i've had it turn from uncooked to blech in no time.

I think I want it like a hot cereal for now.  Should all of the water disappear, like rice?

Meri...I got it from the bulk bins, so I do not have a lot of it...but also do not have instructions.  I still have to buy some quinoa, which I think I should have started with first.  And if they have millet I will buy some of that, too. 

[witchypoo]

if you want it to have a consistency like hot cereal, no - don't cook it until it's dry like rice.  it should be wet, like oatmeal.

i found a photo online:

[merigayle]

I like quinoa the best, it seems to me, to be the most nutritious. And for making baby cereals i would grind the dry brown rice in a spice grinder, then cook it.