Amaranth 'Red Army’: Immortal Herb

Amaranth has a gorgeous, deep-red color that can easily brighten up any garden. But this is not just a plant to admire from a distance, it is an ancient, powerful herb with a rich history and a ton of health benefits. Amaranth is also called ‘Red Army’, or sometimes ‘immortal herb’. In this blog, we will discuss about amaranth, learn it’s secrets, and how to use them.

The Rich History of Amaranth

Amaranth has been around for over 8,000 years. The Aztecs and Mayans held this herb in high regard, and for them, it wasn’t just food. It was sacred. Warriors ate it before going into battle, and it was used in religious ceremonies, symbolizing resilience and strength.

But its immortality isn’t just about age. This herb is practically indestructible. It grows in poor soil, it can survive droughts, and even then it can still produce gorgeous red leaves and nutrient-packed seeds!

Legend has it that amaranth was mixed with honey and shaped into images of gods during religious ceremonies. After these ceremonies, the figures were broken apart and eaten—how’s that for connecting food with the divine?

But here’s where the story takes a darker turn. When Spanish conquistadors invaded the Americas, they saw the use of amaranth in these rituals and, fearing the power it held over the people, banned its cultivation. Fields of amaranth were burned, and the plant was nearly wiped out in the process. Fortunately, the plant persisted in remote areas, where indigenous people continued to grow it in secret.

This herb is a plant that refuses to fade, living up to it’s name—amarantos, which is Greek for immortal.

What’s So Special About Amaranth ‘Red Army’?

Both the leaves and the seeds of this herb are edible, and they are bursting with nutrients. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Amaranth has a mild, earthy flavor. It is best for salads, stir-fries, or soups.

The seeds of this herb are gluten-free, packed with protein, and have all nine essential amino acids (which is very rare for a plant). You can cook them like quinoa or oats, and they make for an amazing porridge. 

How to Use Amaranth

Amaranth is super versatile. Whether you are using the leaves or the seeds, it’s really simple to cook with. Here are two recipes which are made with amaranth:

Amaranth & Meat Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup amaranth seeds
• 300g ground beef or diced chicken
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable or beef broth (depending on your meat choice)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the amaranth: Rinse the amaranth seeds under cold water. In a small pot, take 1 cup of broth, boil it. Add amaranth, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the seeds are tender.

2. Cook the meat: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or diced chicken and cook until browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add carrots and spices: Toss in the sliced carrots, paprika, and cumin. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.

5. Combine ingredients: Pour in the remaining 3 cups of broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked amaranth and the browned meat back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Add spinach: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook just until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve: Serve nicely and enjoy!

Amaranth Seed Porridge

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup amaranth seeds
• 1 and a 1/2 cup water, or milk
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• Fresh berries or nuts for topping

Instructions:

1. Rinse the seeds, then bring the water or milk to a boil.
2. Stir in the seeds, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Once the seeds have softened and absorbed most of the liquid, drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the top, and add your favorite fruits or nuts for crunch.

Why Amaranth Deserves a Place in Your Pantry

There’s just something magical about amaranth. Maybe it’s the fact that it has been cultivated for thousands of years, or maybe it’s the fact that it survived and thrived despite everything thrown at it. Whatever it is, amaranth feels like more than just food—it’s a connection to the past, to cultures long gone, and to a plant that has nourished humans for millennia.

And now, it can nourish you, too.

Write us what you think about this magical herb in the comment box!