Amaranth Porridge is a wholesome and gluten-free breakfast porridge made with amaranth grains. For the Hare Krishna community, Amaranth Porridge is more than just a dish—it is a sacred offering prepared with love and devotion. This recipe aligns with dietary principles that exclude grains, onions, and garlic, making it suitable for prasadam (sanctified food offered to Krishna).
This post explores the significance, ingredients, preparation, and spiritual essence of Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge.
The Essence of Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge
Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge is a warm and nourishing breakfast option that combines amaranth grains with milk and sweeteners. It is perfect for Ekadashi fasting, special occasions, or as a wholesome start to the day. This recipe uses rock salt (sendha namak) and natural sweeteners, ensuring Hare Krishna purity standards.
Ingredients and Their Spiritual Significance
Each ingredient in Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge is chosen not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits and spiritual symbolism:
- Amaranth Grains: Represents strength and nourishment, symbolizing the sustaining energy of Krishna.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of Krishna.
- Honey or Jaggery: Represents the sweetness of Krishna’s love.
- Rock Salt (Sendha Namak): Essential for flavor, symbolizing preservation and purity in spiritual practice.
How to Make Amaranth Porridge
Now that you know the significance of the ingredients, you’re ready to make this warm and wholesome porridge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth grains
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons honey or jaggery
- 1/4 teaspoon rock salt (sendha namak)
- Fresh fruits for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Amaranth: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the amaranth grains, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the grains are tender and the water is absorbed.
- Add Milk and Sweetener: Stir in the milk, honey or jaggery, and rock salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the porridge thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh fruits if desired.
The Spiritual Practice of Making Amaranth Porridge
For the Hare Krishna community, the act of cooking and preparing food is deeply spiritual. Every ingredient is treated with respect and reverence, and the food is prepared with the intention of offering it to Krishna. The use of simple, pure ingredients in Amaranth Porridge ensures that it is suitable for offering as prasadam.
When preparing Amaranth Porridge, devotees often chant the Hare Krishna mantra or other devotional prayers. This practice helps in focusing the mind on Krishna and ensures that the food being prepared is imbued with spiritual vibrations. The resulting Amaranth Porridge, when added to prasadam, enhances not only its nourishing qualities but also its spiritual potency.
Last Bite
Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge is a warm and satisfying breakfast that holds a special place in Hare Krishna cuisine. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it a wholesome and comforting start to the day. For the Hare Krishna community, Amaranth Porridge is more than just a dish—it is a way to express devotion and love for Krishna through food. By preparing and using Amaranth Porridge with mindfulness and devotion, devotees can transform ordinary meals into sanctified offerings that nourish both the body and the soul.
PrintAmaranth Porridge Recipe
Hare Krishna Amaranth Porridge is a warm and nourishing breakfast perfect for any day. This easy-to-make porridge combines amaranth grains with milk and natural sweeteners, creating a wholesome and delicious start to your day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Gluten-Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth grains
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons honey or jaggery
- 1/4 teaspoon rock salt (sendha namak)
- Fresh fruits for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Amaranth: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the amaranth grains, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the grains are tender and the water is absorbed.
- Add Milk and Sweetener: Stir in the milk, honey or jaggery, and rock salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the porridge thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh fruits if desired.
Notes
- Amaranth Soaking: Soaking the amaranth grains overnight can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Sweetener Option: Adjust the amount of honey or jaggery to your taste preference. You can also use maple syrup as an alternative.
- Serving Suggestion: Top the porridge with sliced bananas, berries, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version of this porridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg