Mexican Amaranth Paella

This is an incredibly healthy twist of classic Paella, Mexican style!

Amaranth is a great substitute for rice in any dish. While classic paella can be done many different ways, here I've put a Mexican twist on it... Creating a satisfying spicy stew that can be enjoyed as a side, by itself, or you can even add a couple poached eggs for a hearty weekend brunch dish!

The creamy avocado topping is almost like guacamole, which cools and balances this cheeky little dish! 

What you'll need:

  • 1 cup Connect Foods Amaranth
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • 2 bell peppers (I like to use one green and one yellow for extra colour)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne (to taste)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped coriander
  • extra limes

 

Creamy avocado topping:

  • 1/8 cup chopped coriander (separated into two halves)
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 2-3 avocados
  • 1 green onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup greek yoghurt (optional)

 

 

 

 

Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and jalapeño. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then add bell peppers and seasonings (cumin, chilli powder and cayenne), tossing together for a couple minutes.

Add veggie broth, and whole can of tomatoes (juice and all). Bring mixture to a boil. Allow to simmer for 10-15 min to thicken a little bit. Add amaranth and cook for another 15 minutes.

While Amaranth is cooking, mix together ingredients for creamy avocado topping in a small bowl, using only half of the coriander. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

When the amaranth gets tender, stir in black beans (drained and rinsed) and coriander for a few minutes then remove from heat.

Serve warm with a dollop of creamy avocado, and sprinkle with remaining fresh coriander to garnish.

Squeeze with fresh lime to top it all off!

Olé!

*Connect Foods Organic Amaranth Grain can be found at your nearest Woolworth's

 
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