Crunchy Amaranth Granola Rounds

By Ann Fulton

Jump to Recipe

I loved to collect the mail when I was a child.  The thought of a special letter or magazine waiting for me fueled the anticipation.  Now, letter writing is practically an ancient art form and most of the mail goes directly into the recycling bin.  But when a new cookbook arrives unexpectedly…now that’s a good mail day!

Such was the case a few weeks ago when my friends at Bob’s Red Mill graciously sent me a copy of their newly published Everyday Gluten-Free Cookbook which is loaded with whole-grain recipes highlighting familiar grains like oats and quinoa as well as less commonly used options like teff and amaranth.  The book, penned by Camilla Saulsbury, provides a primer on the various grains, which includes basic cooking instructions along with various tips and substitutions for the 281 recipes.

As I love to do with new cookbooks, I read this one from cover to cover, dog-earing the recipes that intrigued me. I probably turned down 20 page corners and have tried several of the recipes with great success. I decided to share a mildly adapted version of a crispy round granola cookie which incorporates a grain that may be new to many–amaranth. Because so many readers are searching for low-sugar options, I especially liked that this recipe has just one teaspoon of maple syrup per serving.

So what’s so great about amaranth? Amaranth is a tiny grain that’s loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and B vitamins. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is believed to support heart and bone health. Amaranth can even be popped like popcorn. (Like I did here with sorghum!) In the following recipe, the uncooked amaranth grains behave like seeds and provide a crunchy counterbalance to the chewy dried fruit. From my gluten-free dad to my kids, niece and sister-in-law, everyone enjoyed these granola rounds as a wholesome snack. Note: As with small seeds, the uncooked amaranth grains do get stuck in braces…but that didn’t stop my younger son. ; )

And one last thought on the mail… When I was a kid, my dog Ruffy was as excited as I was to see the mailman because he always got a bone. To our current dog Angus’ delight, he regularly received a similar treat…until last week.  Our mail carrier told us that he could no longer give out treats.  Seems that, like people, many dogs have allergies and for this reason the mail carriers were asked to stop. Perhaps a recipe for gluten-free dog treats is in order!

Crunchy Amaranth Granola Rounds
The addition of amaranth and dried fruit makes these portable granola-like treats the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy.  When measuring, make sure to level off the cups to maintain the proper proportion of wet to dry ingredients. Overfilled cups of oats and amaranth will result in rounds that don't stick together as well as they should.

Yield: 12 granola rounds
Ingredients
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (145 grams) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) uncooked amaranth, rinsed well and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries, raisins, and/or apricots (or a mix of your favorite dried fruits)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (we also like a mix of pecans and sunflower seeds or pepitas)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (I use unsweetened)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until frothy.  (You can do this with a dinner fork–just whisk for a good minute or two.)
  3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups.  Press down firmly with the flat part of a small measuring cup to compact the ingredients.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes (give or take a couple of minutes depending on oven) or until the rounds appear dry in the center and lightly golden around the edges.  Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then pop the rounds out of the pan using the tip of a dinner knife.
  6. Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will be chewiest the day they are cooked and will become slightly crisper over time.
More On YouTube More on Instagram
Tried this recipe?Post a picture on instagram and we will repost it! Mention @fountainavenuekitchen or tag #fountainavenuekitchen!
The Fountain Avenue Kitchen https://fountainavenuekitchen.com/

Crunchy Amaranth Granola Rounds

9780778805007_p0_v4_s260x420

This recipe was adapted from Bob’s Red Mill’s new cookbook, Everyday Gluten-Free, by Camilla Saulsbury.

Leave a Reply

Make it? Rate the recipe:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Barb MacDonald

    It is not recommended to use uncooked amaranth seeds. It is not the same as quinoa!

    The seeds can be “popped”, cooked with water, or used when ground into flour. This is mentioned when you do some research. Please check this out

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Hi Barb, Though the amaranth goes into the batter uncooked, it does get cooked in the oven. You are right, however. According to what I have read, amaranth seeds are best when at least lightly cooked before eaten, as the grain contains components in its raw form that block the absorption of some nutrients.

      Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Thanks, Josie! I think my first try at replacing the egg whites would be to make a flax egg or try another replacer that you’ve used and liked. It’s mostly for binding purposes. Brown rice syrup is a good binder, although that would add a little more sweetness as well. If you try one of these ideas, feel free to report back!

      Reply
  2. Jocelyne

    Hi. I was wondering what would be the difference in making these with two or just one whole eggs instead of just the whites?
    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Ann

      I haven’t made them this way, but I would not hesitate to do so, Jocelyne. I really think they would turn out very well. If you try, I’d love to know how you make out!

      Reply
  3. Dorothy

    I made these and enjoyed them best later in the week…..I do think they were just as good even up to 3 weeks later. Since I live alone and like something crispy or chewy as a snack, I would treat myself mid afternoon or sometimes with my smoothie in the morning. At first I didn’t think I would make them again, but now I know I want them on hand in the fridge!

    I am enjoying your posts. Thanks for sending them to me.

    Reply
  4. Joan

    I made these and they are the perfect healthy snack I was looking for. Love that they are crunchy, chewy and satisfy my sweet tooth with so little sweetener–and no sugar at that!

    Reply