Cabbage Stir-fry with Popped Amaranth Recipe

Cabbage Stir-fry with Popped Amaranth

4 Servings

30 minutes or fewer

When popped, amaranth has a mild toasted sesame flavor which is perfect in a stir-fry vegetable dish such as this. Pop only the amount of grain you need because leftovers will not keep.

¼ cup amaranth
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
3 to 4 cups shredded white cabbage
2 small leeks (white part only), rinsed well and sliced thinly (1 cup)
1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and shredded (1 cup)
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

To pop amaranth: Place heavy small skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of amaranth and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 10 to 15 seconds or until most of the seeds have popped and turned white. Transfer to a bowl and continue cooking remaining seeds 1 tablespoon at a time. Set aside.
In wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add cabbage, leeks and bell pepper and cook, stirring constantly, just until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon juice. Transfer to warm serving dish and sprinkle with popped amaranth. Serve right away.