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Amaranth Porridge Recipe: Easy Cozy Cinnamon Breakfast for Thanksgiving

amaranth porridge - featured image

This creamy amaranth porridge is infused with cinnamon and vanilla, making it a cozy, comforting breakfast perfect for Thanksgiving morning or any chilly day. It’s easy to customize, naturally gluten-free, and packed with wholesome nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup amaranth grain (about 6 oz)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups milk (whole, almond, or oat)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping, optional)
  • Fresh or dried fruit (such as sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries, for topping)
  • Extra cinnamon (for topping)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Place amaranth in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed amaranth, water, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. Set saucepan over medium heat. Once bubbles form around the edge, reduce heat to low. Stir frequently.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until porridge thickens and amaranth grains are soft but slightly chewy.
  5. After 20 minutes, taste and stir in honey and/or brown sugar for desired sweetness. Adjust cinnamon if needed.
  6. If porridge is too thick, add 1/4 cup more milk and stir. If too thin, cook 3-5 minutes longer.
  7. Let porridge rest off heat for 5 minutes for extra creaminess.
  8. While porridge cooks, toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Prepare fruit toppings.
  9. Ladle porridge into bowls. Top with toasted nuts, fruit, extra cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
  10. Serve immediately. If making ahead, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.

Notes

For vegan or dairy-free, use almond, oat, or coconut milk and maple syrup. For nut-free, skip nuts or use pumpkin seeds. Adjust liquid for desired texture. Make ahead and reheat with extra milk. Customize toppings and spices as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: amaranth porridge, cinnamon breakfast, Thanksgiving breakfast, gluten-free, cozy breakfast, healthy porridge, holiday breakfast