If you love superfoods like us, you must have surely heard of Amaranth. No? Well, hold on before you say you have not heard its name before. Laddus made with this royal grain are a staple snack during childhood days. Amaranth in Hindi is known as Rajgira. Now, does it ring any bell? Simply put, Rajgira means raj (royal) & gira (grain). As a matter of fact, amaranth grain meaning in Gujarati is also Rajgira. We at Nature’s Basket have brought you to this ancient superfood grain that you can use in your everyday life!
But how is it called, Amarnath? It’s interesting to note that the name is derived from the Greek term ‘Amarantos’ that means “one that does not wither”. It is grown all throughout India since it can grow in harsh and lacklustre nutrient conditions. Furthermore, it is cultivated from the high slopes of the Himalayas to the many coastlines of the country.
- Low in fat
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- High in protein
Here are some of the recipes that you can prepare with the superfood amarnath.
- Rajgira theplas:
Ingredients:
- 250 gms Rajgira Flour
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 1 medium-sized boiled potato
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients and bind them with little water to make the dough. Divide the dough into equal proportions
- Place a plastic sheet on the rolling board and roll the theplas. Take care not to roll them too thin
- Now heat a non-stick pan and add a little ghee and roast theplas till golden brown on both sides. Serve with green chutney and curds. Enjoy!
2. Amarnath Tikkis
Ingredients:
- 1 cup amaranth seeds
- 2 cups of water
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 Tbsp chilli powder
- A pinch of dry mango powder
- 1 Tbsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Lots of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp oil, to pan fry
Ingredients:
- In a small pan, add 1 Tbsp oil, saute garlic and onion until glossy.
- Then add the red pepper and zucchini, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Then add the lemon zest, garam masala powder, coriander powder, red chilli, and stir fry. Add the dry mango powder and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add this mixture to the boiled amaranth. Let it cool until easily handled.
- Then make patties. Coat them in amaranth flour or breadcrumbs.
- Pan fry them, using 2 tablespoons of oil till golden.
If you are looking for more such recipes, you can check out Superfoods for Great Skin and Hair.