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Amaranth Plant Recipe

Amaranth Plant Recipe - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

Amaranth is a remarkable plant that's often overlooked in home kitchens. This versatile green can elevate any meal with its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to an aromatic one-pot wonder; it combines tender amaranth greens with succulent pork and a medley of spices. Not only does it speak to my Mexican roots, but it also highlights how easily healthy eating can fit into a busy lifestyle.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • To create this delicious amaranth dish, gather the following ingredients:
  • 1 - pound amaranth greens or other leafy green
  • 1 - pound pork loin, cut into large pieces
  • 1 - medium onion, sliced thin
  • 2 - serrano chiles, diced or 2 roasted poblano peppers, diced
  • 3 - cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 - teaspoon cumin powder for extra flavor
  • 1 - teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 - pound tomatillos, finely chopped
  • 1 - cup stock or water
  • 1/2 - cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 - tablespoons olive oil
  • - Salt, to taste
  • - Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds, for garnish
  • - A pinch of baking soda to preserve the greens' color

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Amaranth Greens
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Here’s where you’ll be adding the first hints of flavor. Toss in a generous pinch of salt along with the baking soda. Now, don’t be alarmed if the water froths a bit; that's totally normal. The baking soda helps the greenery stay bright while cooking. Once it’s boiling, add the amaranth greens and let them cook for about 2 minutes. After that, drain them in a colander and set them aside—let’s keep that vibrant green color intact!
Step 2: Sauté the Pork
  1. In a large cazuela or any sturdy pot over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the pieces of pork loin. Sprinkle in some salt while the meat browns to build flavor. Let it sizzle away, turning occasionally so it cooks evenly. After about 5 minutes, when the pork is nice and browned, it’s time to add the sliced onion and diced peppers. Cook this mixture for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften up and hang out with the meat.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
  1. Now, for the fun part! Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for another minute or so until it’s aromatic—your kitchen will start to smell incredible. Following that, sprinkle in the cumin powder and dried oregano for an extra kick of flavor. Toss in the nicely chopped tomatillos and pour in the stock or water. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer for Tenderness
  1. Allow your dish to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the pork becomes tender and soaks up all those tasty juices while the liquid cooks down. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more salt to get the flavors just right.
Step 5: Combine with Greens and Finish Up
  1. Once the pork is tender, fold in the amaranth greens and chopped cilantro. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together, making the dish harmonize as a single entity. When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to garnish with some toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch!

Notes

- Don’t skip the baking soda! It keeps the greens vibrant and colorful.
- Use a quality olive oil to enhance the dish. A good oil really makes a difference.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to match your preference.
- Consider leftovers. This dish can taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Serve with a side. Pair it with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.