Amaranth, Quinoa and Corn Chowder

This weekend has gone by much too fast! I guess that means I had a lot of fun!

I took a trip to the health food store for the first time and found so many amazing things! It's easy to spend a good hour in there (which I did) and spend lots of money (which I did). I got a couple supplements that my nutritionist suggested I get and I stocked up on some buckwheat flour, spirulina, Brewer's yeast and amaranth!

Armed with new things to try I found a recipe for Amaranth, Quinoa and Corn Chowder. I actually found this recipe several places on the internet. So, as usual I used it as a base and added some of my own touches.

Like coconut milk! And onions! And Garlic Salt! And Brewer's Yeast!

Check it out -

Instructions: 
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1.5 cups leeks (finely chopped, white and light green parts)
1 cup celery (finely diced, peel, dicing if desired)
½ cup red bell pepper (finely diced)
½ cup onion, chopped
¼ tsp salt, to taste (I used garlic salt)
1/4cup amaranth
½ cup quinoa
¼ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp Brewer’s yeast
4 cups corn kernels (thawed if using frozen)
1 cup coconut milk
3 cups veggie stock
1 cup water


Directions: 

1. In a large pot melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in leeks, celery, pepper and onions. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until veggies are soft.
2. Stir in the veggie stock and amaranth, bring to a boil. Stir in quinoa and thyme. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. If you’re looking for a thicker/smoother soup blend 3 cups of corn with 1 cup of water then add to the pot with the remaining 1 cup of corn. I didn’t do this, I just added all 4 cups of corn to the pot with a cup of water. I boiled for another 5 or so minutes.
4. Add the coconut milk and simmer for another 5 - 7 minutes. Add the yeast. I’ve read that you should add about 1 tsp per 2 cups of soup, I didn’t do this but I think the more you add the thicker and cheesier your soup will be.
5. Spoon in a big bowl and enjoy! I splurged and made Pillsbury Crescent Rolls to eat with the soup. Yum Yum!!

 Next time I think I’ll add some chopped potato and carrots. Bryan suggested some chicken would be nice too for all you meat eaters.