The Aztecs worshipped the life-sustaining properties of amaranth in pre-Columbian times. Sadly, it all but disappeared after the arrival of the conquistadors. A grain (like wheat), amaranth is high in protein, fiber, and amino acids. In this recipe you’ll notice the silky beads add yet another exciting texture to this one-pot meal. I find amaranth in the bulk bins at the health food store. My food processor has a shredding disk, which works well for zucchini; however, sometimes I simply use my grating tower to get the same effect. The shredded zucchini gives this Glorious One-Pot Meal a thick, stewlike consistency that seems especially hearty. Feel free to swap the amaranth for the same amount of rice (the amount of liquid won’t change).

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　1/4 large onion, chopped

　　3/4 cup amaranth

　　3/4 cup broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) or water

　　One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

　　1/2 to 3/4 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or meat-substitute crumbles)

　　One 4-ounce can diced green chiles, drained

　　1/2 teaspoon sea salt

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

　　2 cups shredded zucchini

　　3 medium tomatoes, chopped, or one 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Scatter the onion in the pot.

　　

Step 4

Add the amaranth and the liquid. Stir to make an even layer of the grains.

　　

Step 5

In a medium bowl, mix the beans, meat, chiles, most of the sea salt, the cumin, and the oregano. Drop forkfuls of the mixture into the pot to cover the amaranth.

　　

Step 6

Top with the zucchini, then the tomatoes. Lightly season with the remaining sea salt.

　　

Step 7

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 882

　　

Step 9

Protein: 57g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrates: 105g

　　

Step 11

Fat: 27g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 99mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 102mg

　　

Step 14

Fiber: 28g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals