Main Course

Ostri with Amaranth and Quinoa

A warm bowl of Ostri with amaranth and quinoa, topped with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Servings
4
GeorgianEasyLunchDinnerVegetarianVeganDairy Free

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

grain

1/2 cup (90g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Quinoa

grain

1/2 cup (85g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Vegetable broth

liquid

2 cups (480 ml)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Eggplant, diced

vegetable

2 cups (about 1 small, 250g)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups, diced

Tomatoes, chopped

vegetable

1 cup (180g)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup, chopped

Red onion, diced

vegetable

1/2 cup (75g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, diced

Garlic, minced

spice

2 cloves

Olive oil

fat

2 tablespoons

Tomato paste

other

1 tablespoon

Ground coriander

spice

1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

spice

1/2 teaspoon

Salt, or to taste

seasoning

1/2 teaspoon

Black pepper, freshly ground

spice

1/4 teaspoon

Fresh cilantro, chopped

herb

1/2 cup (20g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup, chopped

Fresh dill, chopped

herb

1/4 cup (10g)

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup, chopped

Lemon wedges

other

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Method

1

Cook the grains

20 minutes

In 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.

2

Sauté the vegetables

10 minutes

While 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.

3

Add aromatics and tomatoes

5 minutes

Stir 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.

4

Combine and finish

3 minutes

Add 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.

5

Garnish and serve

0 minutes

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the ostri warm, garnished with the reserved herbs and a lemon wedge on the side.

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
10 g
Protein
50 g
Carbohydrates
14 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
580 mg
Sodium

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.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Nino Beridze

Recipe by

Nino Beridze

Specialises in Georgian cuisine

Nino 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.