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(173)
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

173

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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

Is it good to eat chia seeds with oatmeal? ›

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

Do you add chia seeds to oatmeal before or after cooking? ›

When about to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and add the oats, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook, stirring often, until the oats are softened and the water is absorbed, about 4-6 minutes. Stir in the chia seeds, milk, and fruit of choice, if using.

What is the best way to eat amaranth grain? ›

If you're curious about how to cook amaranth, you'll be pleased to know that it makes for a delicious hot cereal or polenta! You can also use it to add a lovely texture to baked goods or homemade granola. With an earthy, nutty flavor, amaranth is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snack in between.

Can you put flaxseed and chia seeds in oatmeal? ›

Add in the chia seeds and flax meal and stir to combine. These seeds are natural thickeners and will immediately begin to absorb water. Let the oats sit for 3-5 minutes so the seeds can absorb moisture and thicken the oats.

What not to do with chia seeds? ›

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

Should I soak chia seeds before adding to oatmeal? ›

To get the most benefit out of your chia seeds, soak them overnight in water before making your oatmeal with chia seeds. To do this, simply put your chia seeds in a small ramekin with 1/2 cup (125ml) of water, and stir. Leave to sit for a minute, then stir again and place in the fridge overnight.

How much chia seeds should I put in my oatmeal? ›

I use ½ cup oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds and 1 cup of water then I microwave it for 90 seconds. What I love about oatmeal is that it's really quick and easy to make, you can customize it with any toppings, and it keeps you full with lots of energy to last your morning!

Why does everyone put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats Recipe Ingredients

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.

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

Additionally, because chia seeds are so high in fiber, Collingwood urges consuming enough water or other liquid to wash them down. This will help promote digestion and prevent constipation, gas, and other digestive issues associated with consuming too much fiber without water.

Why do you rinse amaranth? ›

"Soaking the grains makes their nutrients easier to digest and shortens the cooking time," says Ziata. Simply combine amaranth and water in a large bowl, completely submerging the grains. When you're ready to cook, drain and rinse the grains with a fine mesh strainer.

Does amaranth need to be rinsed? ›

Should you rinse amaranth? It's always best to clean grains with a quick rinse before cooking them to remove dust or plant debris, as you would with rice. However, rinsing amaranth alone will not strip the grain of anti-nutrients.

Can you eat too much amaranth? ›

Avoid eating too much amaranth from agricultural fields. The leaves (like those of spinach, sorrel and many other greens) also contain oxalic acid, which can be poisonous to livestock or to humans with kidney issues of eaten in large amounts.

What can you not mix with flaxseed? ›

Possible interactions include:
  • Anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. ...
  • Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements. Flaxseed oil might lower blood pressure. ...
  • Diabetes drugs. ...
  • Estrogens. ...
  • Oral drugs.

Can you add raw chia seeds to oatmeal? ›

Adding chia seeds in oatmeal

Firstly, chia seeds mix in so nicely and create a gel-like mixture with the oats. They change up the texture of oatmeal ever so slightly! Secondly, they are small seeds that add nutrients, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.

Which is better for weight loss flaxseed or chia seed? ›

Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite. Chia seeds and flax seeds are both great sources of fiber, which can help reduce hunger and cravings ( 33 ). However, they contain different levels of soluble fiber, a type particularly effective at reducing hunger and controlling appetite.

What is the most beneficial way to eat chia seeds? ›

Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves.

What are the best foods to eat with chia seeds? ›

To help get your daily quota of chia, whirl them into your daily smoothie or sprinkle them on your morning bowl of oatmeal (or batch of overnight oats). Chia seeds can also be used to thicken salad dressings and as a crust for fish or tofu.

Is oatmeal and chia seeds good for weight loss? ›

In addition to oats, these healthy overnight oats also contain other ingredients that can be beneficial for weight loss, like chia seeds. These tiny seeds pack quite a nutritional punch. Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Can I eat oats with chia seeds at night? ›

Yes, a bowl of white oats with milk and chia seeds can reduce weight at night. The reason is because it contains soluble fiber, which makes you feel full.

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