Learn how to puff Amaranth. This gluten-free grain can be puffed or popped similar to popcorn and within minutes.
Popped Rajgira or Amaranth popcorn is easy to make and can be eaten simply as a snack. Popped-up Amaranth can be used in a variety of healthy snacks or simply be eaten as is. It can be topped with fruits, nuts, or sweeteners of your choice.
Amaranth/Rajgira
Amaranth or Rajgira is a gluten-free pseudo grain and one of the superfoods. I have already detailed more about what is this in my earlier post on Rajgria Kadhi (Gluten-Free Soup made using Amaranth Flour).
How to consume Amaranth
Amaranth can be eaten raw too, but it is difficult for our digestive system to digest it. It would generally pass without being consumed by the body. It is best to either pop it or soak it and use it as a porridge etc. I have not tried it in porridge by soaking, but I would love to try this Amarnath fruity pudding (rajgira kheer) from Mayuri’s Jikoni. I have been used to eating rajgira in popped form or making ladoo, chikki, healthy bars like Chocolate Puffed Amaranth Bars etc.
How to Puff Amaranth/Rajgira
Here we get the raw Amaranth grain and it is very easy to pop them at home. It is similar to how you pop popcorn in a large pot. For puffing up Amaranth all you add is a teaspoon of grain in the hot pot, shake it a bit and they start puffing up instantly. You will get a big bowl of puffed-up Amaranth in a matter of minutes. Yes due to the puffing, some grains scatter all over hence it is advisable to use a high-ended pot.
Tips while puffing or popping up Amaranth/Rajgira
- Use a high-sided and a heavy bottom wide pot. If you use a shallow pot, once the seed starts popping you will have it all over your kitchen counter. Even with a high-sided pot, you will have some grains popping out, but it would be very less.
- The correct temperature of the pot. The pot has to be heated first. To check if the pot is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water in the pot. If it sizzles immediately your pot is ready.
- You might need to discard the first 1-2 batches as it has a tendency to burn immediately.
- If one keeps the grains for long in the pot or do not shake the pot, they might get burned. You should be fine after the first 1-2 batches.
Once the Rajgira is all puffed up, you can then use a sieve to discard the un-popped ones. Once cooled can be stored in an airtight container. You can make delicious Chocolate Puffed Amaranth Bars from this puffed-up Amarnath.
Making Rajgira/Amaranth Flour at home
I made my own Rajgira/Amaranth Flour as I do not get it in stores here. I popped up the raw Rajgira and then allowed it to cool completely. Then simply I ground it in a mixer grinder to a fine consistency. I have not sieved it, but one can if you need a very fine texture of the flour.
So here goes the process of How to puff Amaranth
How to puff Amaranth | Popped Rajgira | Amaranth Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Amaranth Seeds (Or as Required)
Instructions
- Heat a heavy bottom high-sided pot on medium heat.
- Once it gets hot, check if it is hot enough to start popping Amaranth
- Sprinkle a few drops of water in the pot. If it sizzles immediately your pot is ready
- In the start add about a teaspoon of seeds in the pot.
- Shake the pot frequently.
- Once they are popped remove it in a sieve, which has a bowl underneath.
- Similarly continue with the rest of the Amarnath seeds a tablespoon or teaspoon at a time.
- Keep collecting it in the sieve.
- Sieve the popped seeds for burnt or un-popped seeds.
- Collect the popped seeds in a clean dry container.
- Let the seeds cool down completely. Store it in an air tight container and use as required.
Video
Notes
- 1 Cup = 240 ml, 1 tbsp = 15 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml
- Use a high sided and a heavy bottom wide pot. If you use a shallow pot, once the seed starts popping you will have it all over your kitchen counter. Even with a high sided pot, you will have some grains popping out, but it would be very less.
- The correct temperature of the pot. The pot has to be heated first.
- You might need to discard the first 1-2 batches as it has a tendency to burn immediately.
- If one keeps the grains for long in the pot or do not shake the pot, they might get burn. You should be fine after the first 1-2 batches.
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