Nourishing Amaranth Greens Soup
A light and vibrant soup featuring tender amaranth leaves simmered in a savory vegetable broth, brightened with a hint of lemon and aromatic spices. Perfect for a nourishing meal or a comforting starter.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Greens:** Thoroughly wash the amaranth leaves under cold running water. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the leaves. Set aside.
**Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
**Build Flavor:** Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes.
**Simmer Broth:** Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
**Cook Amaranth:** Add the chopped amaranth leaves to the simmering broth. Stir well to submerge the greens. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves are very tender but still retain their vibrant green color.
**Finish & Adjust:** Stir in the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, lemon juice) as needed.
**Serve:** Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and if desired, a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of extra lemon.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Don't Overcook:** Amaranth leaves cook quickly. Overcooking can lead to a dull color and loss of nutrients. Cook just until tender.
- 2**Enhance Protein:** For a more substantial meal, stir in 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup crumbled firm tofu, or a handful of cooked lentils during the last few minutes of simmering.
- 3**Broth Quality Matters:** Use a high-quality, low-sodium vegetable broth as it forms the base flavor of this simple soup.
- 4**Adjust Acidity:** The lemon juice is crucial for brightness. Start with the recommended amount and add more to your personal preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Texture
For a creamier soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before serving, or stir in 1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream at the end.
FlavorFlavor
Add a sliced green chili or a pinch more red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a bolder, spicier profile.
NutritionalNutritional
Incorporate finely diced carrots or sweet potatoes along with the shallots and cook until tender before adding the broth for added sweetness and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Nutrient Powerhouse
Amaranth leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, supporting overall health.
Supports Digestion
High in dietary fiber, amaranth greens aid in healthy digestion, promote bowel regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Antioxidant Rich
This soup contains powerful antioxidants from amaranth, garlic, and ginger, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute amaranth with spinach, Swiss chard, or kale. If using kale or chard, you might need to cook them a few minutes longer until tender.
