Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

By Martha Rose Shulman

Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (1)

Total Time
15 minutes, plus overnight soaking
Rating
4(173)
Notes
Read community notes

Fresh blueberries are not in season at the moment, so I put my frozen organic wild blueberries to good use in this hearty mix. The chia and the amaranth pump up the nutritional value of this cereal -- both are high in calcium, amaranth is high in protein, and chia seeds are a great source of healthful omega-3s. They also contribute texture. For even more great texture, top the cereal with chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds.

Featured in: Ancient Grains for Breakfast

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves 1

    For Each Bowl

    • ¼cup regular or quick cooking steel-cut oats
    • 1tablespoon amaranth seeds
    • 1teaspoon chia seeds
    • Salt to taste (I use a generous pinch)
    • 1heaped tablespoon fresh or frozen blueberries, or more to taste
    • ¾cup water
    • 1teaspoon honey or maple syrup, plus more as desired for drizzling
    • Optional toppings: milk, chopped toasted skinned hazelnuts, chopped toasted almonds, grated apple or pear, freeze-dried blueberries

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. The night before, stir together steel-cut oats, amaranth seeds, chia seeds, salt and blueberries in a medium microwave-proof bowl. Bring water to a boil and pour over mixture. Add honey or maple syrup and stir, then cover bowl with a plate.

  2. Step

    2

    In the morning, microwave mixture for 2 minutes on 100 percent power. Remove bowl from microwave and carefully remove plate (bowl will be hot and steam will rise from cereal). Stir mixture, cover again and return to microwave. Heat for 2 minutes more, or until mixture is no longer watery.

  3. Step

    3

    Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle on toppings of your choice.

Ratings

4

out of 5

173

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Michele

Try adding your chia seeds after you have cooked the oatmeal. They add a crunchy texture to your food. Cooking makes them "gooey."

Victoria

Would appreciate non-microwave instructions/timing.

Scott

From what I've seen with this and similar recipes, Ms. Shulman has a bit of a sweet tooth. I made this recipe without the added sugar and it was delicious. The sweetness from the blueberries was perfect; adding sugar would have made it too sweet for me.I also added the chia seeds the morning after (before heating). They retained their texture that way.

Theresa

I make a batch of this for me to have for breakfast all week. It is so much better, and healthier, than instant oatmeal and encourages me to eat breakfast. Don't like the chia seeds though, I leave those out. Adds an icky texture.

Scott

I haven't made this particular recipe but with similar ones I heat on the stove until hot and thick--a matter of minutes depending on the stove.The microwave step is really just reheating and a bit of finishing--the cereal is already "cooked" (between the hot water and letting it sit over night). So it's not a issue of time, just until it looks ready to eat. Since it's pretty thick by now make sure you stir, scraping the bottom well or it'll stick and burn.

smw

add chia seeds after cooking but before reheatingeliminate honey

CH

For clarification - are you supposed to leave the oats on the countertop all night or refrigerate them?

B & B Lady

Made this substituting flax seed for amaranth. Also used old fashioned oats. Was good, served with chopped walnuts & a little extra maple syrup.

Britt

Cooked on the stove top as recommended by the quick cooking steel cut oats package (6 minutes). Added amaranth and chia at the same time as I find steel cut oats have enough texture. We skipped the blueberries out of necessity and missed them. Well received by toddler and adults!

jan

I don’t need to double.

jan

Don’t need to double

Karin

The granola came to a boil in the microwave, spilled over and created a big mess. There is really no benefit, with time or cleanup, preparing it in the microwave to cooking it on the stovetop. And it is much too sweet.

smw

add chia seeds after cooking but before reheatingeliminate honey

Scott

From what I've seen with this and similar recipes, Ms. Shulman has a bit of a sweet tooth. I made this recipe without the added sugar and it was delicious. The sweetness from the blueberries was perfect; adding sugar would have made it too sweet for me.I also added the chia seeds the morning after (before heating). They retained their texture that way.

Victoria

Would appreciate non-microwave instructions/timing.

Bali

I don't have a microwave.
For how long should I simmer this?

Scott

I haven't made this particular recipe but with similar ones I heat on the stove until hot and thick--a matter of minutes depending on the stove.The microwave step is really just reheating and a bit of finishing--the cereal is already "cooked" (between the hot water and letting it sit over night). So it's not a issue of time, just until it looks ready to eat. Since it's pretty thick by now make sure you stir, scraping the bottom well or it'll stick and burn.

Alex

Tasted great but . . .
I doubled it to serve 2. When I microwaved it the first time it was ok; the second time ok but needed another 2 minutes. Well that just made the whole thing foam up in the microwave and it seemed as if the amaranth came up with the foam.
As suggested I put in the chia after heating (and cleaning up!) and that and the toasted almonds really took this over the top.
Man do I feel healthy! ! ! ! !

Theresa

I make a batch of this for me to have for breakfast all week. It is so much better, and healthier, than instant oatmeal and encourages me to eat breakfast. Don't like the chia seeds though, I leave those out. Adds an icky texture.

Michele

Try adding your chia seeds after you have cooked the oatmeal. They add a crunchy texture to your food. Cooking makes them "gooey."

Private notes are only visible to you.

Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe? ›

Soaking: If you have the time, consider soaking the amaranth overnight before cooking. "Soaking the grains makes their nutrients easier to digest and shortens the cooking time," says Ziata. Simply combine amaranth and water in a large bowl, completely submerging the grains.

Do I need to soak amaranth before cooking? ›

Soaking: If you have the time, consider soaking the amaranth overnight before cooking. "Soaking the grains makes their nutrients easier to digest and shortens the cooking time," says Ziata. Simply combine amaranth and water in a large bowl, completely submerging the grains.

Should I add chia seeds before or after cooking oatmeal? ›

Directions. Combine the oatmeal and 1 cup water. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes or until the oats are cooked. Add the chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, raisins, walnuts and agave nectar.

Which is healthier, oatmeal or chia seeds? ›

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

Why does everyone put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

What is the best way to prepare amaranth? ›

directions
  1. Cook the amaranth (this may be done the night before): Mix the water and amaranth in a saucepan and heat to boiling.
  2. Turn heat to low, and let simmer for 20-25 minute Most of the water should be absorbed. ...
  3. Cooked amaranth will keep in the refrigerator overnight, if necessary.

Is amaranth better than oatmeal? ›

Amaranth is an ancient grain with a slightly sweet, nutty taste that works well in place of oatmeal. In addition to being gluten-free, amaranth is a good source of several key nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and manganese ( 1 ).

Can I add raw chia seeds to oatmeal? ›

I use ½ cup oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds and 1 cup of water then I microwave it for 90 seconds. What I love about oatmeal is that it's really quick and easy to make, you can customize it with any toppings, and it keeps you full with lots of energy to last your morning!

Is it okay to put chia seeds in hot oatmeal? ›

Instructions. Place almond milk, oats, chia seeds, and nuts in a small saucepan and let it come to a boil. Cook about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Place it in a bowl and garnish it with more nuts, dried fruits and chia seeds, if preferred.

Can you put chia seeds directly on oatmeal? ›

In this recipe, I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for every ½ cup of oats! Should I soak chia seeds before adding them to oatmeal? For this recipe, there is no need to soak the chia seeds before adding them to the mixture. While you cook the seeds with the oats, they will thicken up!

Should I soak chia seeds before adding to oatmeal? ›

To get the most benefit out of your chia seeds, soak them overnight in water before making your oatmeal with chia seeds. To do this, simply put your chia seeds in a small ramekin with 1/2 cup (125ml) of water, and stir. Leave to sit for a minute, then stir again and place in the fridge overnight.

Do chia seeds clear your gut? ›

Chia seeds can function as a prebiotic, assisting your stomach in producing the beneficial bacteria necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system. As chia seeds become a sticky gel-like substance when soaked in water, they can also serve as a digestive system cleanser.

What is the healthiest oatmeal to eat everyday? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

How many chia seeds should I put in my oatmeal? ›

For one serving you will need: 1/2 cup of rolled oats. 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. 1 cup of extra creamy oat milk or vanilla flavored nut/plant milk.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

How long should you soak amaranth? ›

How can we cook and eat amaranth!! Like all grains, it's best to soak it before cooking for at least 8 hours, this allows grains to release its inherent nutrients, making it also more digestible.

How to soak and cook amaranth? ›

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, place water, lemon juice, and amaranth, and soak overnight (on countertop or fridge).
  2. Once amaranth is soaked, rinse under cold water and discard soaking liquid.
  3. In a small pot, add soaked amaranth and 3 cups of fresh water. ...
  4. Remove from heat, and stir in your choice of toppings.
Mar 14, 2013

Can you eat raw soaked amaranth? ›

We can't digest raw amaranth. It's like eating raw rice or raw beans. It'll pass right through our digestive tract without change. It's necessary to either cook it or puff it so we can digest it and enjoy the benefits of this amazing superfood.

How to make amaranth more digestible? ›

As in many other plant-based food products, applying heat treatment to the amaranth grains seems to provide an overall improvement in digestibility of the nutrients they contain (Kauffman and Weber, 1990, Tovar et al., 1994).

References

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