Main Course
Ostri with Amaranth and Quinoa

About this dish
A loving, hearty Georgian-style bowl that swaps tradition for ancient grains, tossing amaranth and quinoa with a simple, nourishing mix of vegetables and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Amaranth
grain1/2 cup (90g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Quinoa
grain1/2 cup (85g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Vegetable broth
liquid2 cups (480 ml)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
Eggplant, diced
vegetable2 cups (about 1 small, 250g)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups, diced
Tomatoes, chopped
vegetable1 cup (180g)
Imperial measurement: 1 cup, chopped
Red onion, diced
vegetable1/2 cup (75g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, diced
Garlic, minced
spice2 cloves
Olive oil
fat2 tablespoons
Tomato paste
other1 tablespoon
Ground coriander
spice1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
spice1/2 teaspoon
Salt, or to taste
seasoning1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper, freshly ground
spice1/4 teaspoon
Fresh cilantro, chopped
herb1/2 cup (20g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, chopped
Fresh dill, chopped
herb1/4 cup (10g)
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup, chopped
Lemon wedges
other1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
Cook the grains
20 minutesIn a medium pot, combine amaranth, quinoa, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Sauté the vegetables
10 minutesWhile the grains cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the eggplant and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown and soften.
Add aromatics and tomatoes
5 minutesStir in the garlic, tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly into a chunky sauce.
Combine and finish
3 minutesAdd the cooked amaranth and quinoa to the skillet and stir well to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in most of the cilantro and dill, reserving some for garnish.
Garnish and serve
0 minutesTaste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the ostri warm, garnished with the reserved herbs and a lemon wedge on the side.
Nutrition facts
Tips
- If you're in a hurry, you can cook the quinoa and amaranth together in the same pot, as their cooking times are similar and both are done in about 15 minutes.
- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, bell pepper, or root vegetables work beautifully in this dish.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of tomato passata instead of tomato paste for a deeper flavor.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep: keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and enjoy it cold or reheated.
Serving suggestions
- Serve warm as a main dish alongside simple greens, or as a side with grilled meats or roasted fish. It's also wonderful stuffed into lettuce wraps or pita bread.
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Recipe by
Nino Beridze
Specialises in Georgian cuisineNino makes khachapuri that oozes cheese like a volcano. She says the secret is loving the dough like a child.
Describe yourself in three words: Loving, loud, huggy.