Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

By Martha Rose Shulman

Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (1)

Total Time
15 minutes, plus overnight soaking
Rating
4(172)
Notes
Read community notes

Fresh blueberries are not in season at the moment, so I put my frozen organic wild blueberries to good use in this hearty mix. The chia and the amaranth pump up the nutritional value of this cereal -- both are high in calcium, amaranth is high in protein, and chia seeds are a great source of healthful omega-3s. They also contribute texture. For even more great texture, top the cereal with chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds.

Featured in: Ancient Grains for Breakfast

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves 1

    For Each Bowl

    • ¼cup regular or quick cooking steel-cut oats
    • 1tablespoon amaranth seeds
    • 1teaspoon chia seeds
    • Salt to taste (I use a generous pinch)
    • 1heaped tablespoon fresh or frozen blueberries, or more to taste
    • ¾cup water
    • 1teaspoon honey or maple syrup, plus more as desired for drizzling
    • Optional toppings: milk, chopped toasted skinned hazelnuts, chopped toasted almonds, grated apple or pear, freeze-dried blueberries

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. The night before, stir together steel-cut oats, amaranth seeds, chia seeds, salt and blueberries in a medium microwave-proof bowl. Bring water to a boil and pour over mixture. Add honey or maple syrup and stir, then cover bowl with a plate.

  2. Step

    2

    In the morning, microwave mixture for 2 minutes on 100 percent power. Remove bowl from microwave and carefully remove plate (bowl will be hot and steam will rise from cereal). Stir mixture, cover again and return to microwave. Heat for 2 minutes more, or until mixture is no longer watery.

  3. Step

    3

    Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle on toppings of your choice.

Ratings

4

out of 5

172

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Michele

Try adding your chia seeds after you have cooked the oatmeal. They add a crunchy texture to your food. Cooking makes them "gooey."

Victoria

Would appreciate non-microwave instructions/timing.

Scott

From what I've seen with this and similar recipes, Ms. Shulman has a bit of a sweet tooth. I made this recipe without the added sugar and it was delicious. The sweetness from the blueberries was perfect; adding sugar would have made it too sweet for me.I also added the chia seeds the morning after (before heating). They retained their texture that way.

Theresa

I make a batch of this for me to have for breakfast all week. It is so much better, and healthier, than instant oatmeal and encourages me to eat breakfast. Don't like the chia seeds though, I leave those out. Adds an icky texture.

Scott

I haven't made this particular recipe but with similar ones I heat on the stove until hot and thick--a matter of minutes depending on the stove.The microwave step is really just reheating and a bit of finishing--the cereal is already "cooked" (between the hot water and letting it sit over night). So it's not a issue of time, just until it looks ready to eat. Since it's pretty thick by now make sure you stir, scraping the bottom well or it'll stick and burn.

smw

add chia seeds after cooking but before reheatingeliminate honey

CH

For clarification - are you supposed to leave the oats on the countertop all night or refrigerate them?

B & B Lady

Made this substituting flax seed for amaranth. Also used old fashioned oats. Was good, served with chopped walnuts & a little extra maple syrup.

Britt

Cooked on the stove top as recommended by the quick cooking steel cut oats package (6 minutes). Added amaranth and chia at the same time as I find steel cut oats have enough texture. We skipped the blueberries out of necessity and missed them. Well received by toddler and adults!

jan

I don’t need to double.

jan

Don’t need to double

Karin

The granola came to a boil in the microwave, spilled over and created a big mess. There is really no benefit, with time or cleanup, preparing it in the microwave to cooking it on the stovetop. And it is much too sweet.

smw

add chia seeds after cooking but before reheatingeliminate honey

Scott

From what I've seen with this and similar recipes, Ms. Shulman has a bit of a sweet tooth. I made this recipe without the added sugar and it was delicious. The sweetness from the blueberries was perfect; adding sugar would have made it too sweet for me.I also added the chia seeds the morning after (before heating). They retained their texture that way.

Victoria

Would appreciate non-microwave instructions/timing.

Bali

I don't have a microwave.
For how long should I simmer this?

Scott

I haven't made this particular recipe but with similar ones I heat on the stove until hot and thick--a matter of minutes depending on the stove.The microwave step is really just reheating and a bit of finishing--the cereal is already "cooked" (between the hot water and letting it sit over night). So it's not a issue of time, just until it looks ready to eat. Since it's pretty thick by now make sure you stir, scraping the bottom well or it'll stick and burn.

Alex

Tasted great but . . .
I doubled it to serve 2. When I microwaved it the first time it was ok; the second time ok but needed another 2 minutes. Well that just made the whole thing foam up in the microwave and it seemed as if the amaranth came up with the foam.
As suggested I put in the chia after heating (and cleaning up!) and that and the toasted almonds really took this over the top.
Man do I feel healthy! ! ! ! !

Theresa

I make a batch of this for me to have for breakfast all week. It is so much better, and healthier, than instant oatmeal and encourages me to eat breakfast. Don't like the chia seeds though, I leave those out. Adds an icky texture.

Michele

Try adding your chia seeds after you have cooked the oatmeal. They add a crunchy texture to your food. Cooking makes them "gooey."

Private notes are only visible to you.

Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I add chia seeds before or after cooking oatmeal? ›

Directions. Combine the oatmeal and 1 cup water. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes or until the oats are cooked. Add the chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, raisins, walnuts and agave nectar.

Do I need to soak amaranth before cooking? ›

She recommends you soak the amaranth at least 8 hours (up to 24) to unlock the nutrients and to help it aid in digestion. I simply measured out the amaranth and stuck it in water the night before (I found a small pan with a tight fitting lid worked well to drain and rinse it the next morning.)

Why does everyone put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

But after a little experimentation, I realized that adding chia seeds to overnight oats takes them to a whole new level. They give the oats a delicious thick and creamy texture, sort of like that of chia pudding. They also add protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Which is healthier, oatmeal or chia seeds? ›

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

Why do you need to drink water after eating chia seeds? ›

Another way to add chia seeds to your diet is to drink chia seed water. High-fiber foods can make you dehydrated, because they pull water from your tissues into your GI tract. Adding water to chia seeds helps you stay hydrated while you get the benefits of the nutrients in the seeds.

Do you need to rinse chia seeds before eating? ›

No, you don't. If you are serving more than a sprinkle or not mixing it through food, then yes, it is probably a very good idea to soak them so they are easy to swallow. Anything that can stick together and become claggy or hard to swallow should be avoided.

Is amaranth better than oatmeal? ›

Amaranth is an ancient grain with a slightly sweet, nutty taste that works well in place of oatmeal. In addition to being gluten-free, amaranth is a good source of several key nutrients, including protein, fiber, iron, and manganese ( 1 ).

Does amaranth need to be washed? ›

Step 1: Rinse: Place amaranth in a strainer and rinse well in warm filtered water. Step 2: Soak: When possible soak amaranth overnight to improve digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients.

What is the best way to cook amaranth? ›

Bring 1 ½ cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add amaranth, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

What are the side effects of overnight oats chia seeds? ›

However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies. Too many chia seeds may also lead to digestive issues, and if someone overeats chia seeds, it could lead to weight gain.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

What is the healthiest oatmeal to eat everyday? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

What to eat for breakfast instead of oatmeal? ›

Alternatives to Oatmeal
  • Brown Rice. Despite the rising popularity of ancient grains like quinoa, you can't beat a classic like brown rice. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Buckwheat. ...
  • Chia Seeds. ...
  • Millet. ...
  • Buckwheat and Chia Breakfast Bowl. ...
  • Quinoa and Coconut Breakfast Bowl. ...
  • Millet and Spiced Pumpkin Seed Cereal.

Can you eat chia seeds in hot oatmeal? ›

Instructions. Place almond milk, oats, chia seeds, and nuts in a small saucepan and let it come to a boil. Cook about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Place it in a bowl and garnish it with more nuts, dried fruits and chia seeds, if preferred.

Should you eat chia seeds before or after cooking? ›

Chia seeds do not require cooking, but grinding or blending them improves absorption by the body. You can add them to salads, dips, sweet bakes and breads. You can also buy chia oil, which is mild in flavour, and ideal used in dressings. Do not use for cooking as the chia loses its nutritional benefits.

Is it better to eat chia seeds before or after breakfast? ›

Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up.

Do you add chia seeds before or after you blend? ›

Typically, chia, soaked or not, seeds are added into the drink directly for added crunch, or they are blended first with water to create a gel-like substance. There is no better way here. Different people preferred both. Also, both are more fitting to certain situations.

Can I put raw chia seeds on my cereal? ›

Add them to granola and breakfast cereals.

The seeds do not add any taste but will add volume and promote satiety. If you are making homemade granola, add a few tablespoons of the chia seeds before toasting.

References

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