Amaranth Chocolate Crisps

May 14

These delicate, crisp treats are packed with goodness from a tiny but powerful seed called amaranth.

I was first inspired by a friend who was enjoying a bag of amaranth crisps. She was insisting I absolutely try them as she happily crunched away. And she was right! They were truly unique and yummy!

Made with light, puffed amaranth, I felt compelled to recreate them at home. I actually made a version that same day using carob chips, but with this version I went for chocolate.

I had already written about amaranth before, and their nutritional benefit as it’s been part of our household for a few years now, used in breakfast, as a side dish, or in kichari, where it plays a role much like a grain, which is why it’s often referred to as a pseudo-grain, high in protein, fibre, and antioxidants, and rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Making this delightful sweet treat opened up a whole new way of experiencing this nutritional powerhouse of a seed.

Puffed Amaranth Crisps

Makes 9-10 crisps
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 Tablespoon amaranth- Makes ½ cup puffed amaranth
1 Tablespoon whole cane sugar
1 tsp ghee or coconut oil
1 Tablespoon unsweetened chocolate or carob chips

Optional- add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom powder, or ginger powder as the chocolate or carob chips melt for an flavourful, aromatic twist.

INSTRUCTIONS

Pop the amaranth. Turn element on high. When pan is hot enough add amaranth seeds. Cover pan quickly with a lid- the seeds will start popping quickly. Move the pan back and forth to avoid burning the seeds. When popping slows down, remove from the element. Strain to separate unpopped seeds.
Melt the chocolate. In a medium size pot 1/3 full of water and it come to a boil. When the water boils place a big enough stainless steel bowl to go on top of the pot without sinking the bowl to the bottom of the pot.
Put all ingredients in the bowl ghee or coconut oil, sugar and chocolate or carob chips and stir until mixture melts.
Mix it all together. Add puffed amaranth and stir to cover all the puffed amaranth.
Spoon a small amount onto a plate covered with parchment paper and press to flatten with the back of the spoon.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Top with fresh fruit or enjoy plain! Enjoy with a cup of Golden Milk or a cup of tea.
Enjoy!