How to cook Delicious Amaranth Leaves ( Dodo greens)

What are Amaranth Leaves or Dodo greens?

Amaranth leaves are a vegetable belonging to the genus Amaranthus having a green, purple or reddish colour. It is considered a weed by most of the world but is a popular side dish in the East African countries of Uganda and Rwanda.

They are called “Dodo” in East Africa, Quintonil in Mexico and “Callaloo” in the Caribbean.

What can I eat with dodo greens?

Dodo(Amaranth) vegetables are versatile and delicious. They can be eaten with rice, posho, sweet potato, Matoke (Plantains), added to a stir fry and can also be eaten in soup, or a simmered dish.

What does dodo greens taste like?

Amaranth has a flavour similar to spinach but has a deeper flavour.

How do you cook delicious dodo greens?

This is a classic and easy Amaranth/ Dodo greens recipe that does not need any improvement, Simple and Delicious- though you can cook it with meat, and beans. I added Chili pepper for another layer of taste. It is optional.

For the printable recipe, Scroll down.

The Ingredients you need:

• 4 Handfuls of Fresh Amaranth /Dodo leaves.
• 1 Chopped White or Purple Onion.
• 1 Chopped Tomato.
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil(Any other Cooking oil will work).
• Salt.
• Chili Pepper OPTIONAL.

Here are the steps:

1. Wash the Amaranth/Dodo leaves thoroughly and then set them aside.
2. Chop the Leaves (OPTIONAL).
3. Chop the Onions, Chili pepper(Optional) and Tomatoes and set aside
4. Pour Vegetable oil(Any cooking oil will work) into a frying pan and heat it up on Medium heat on the stove.
5. Add the Chopped Onions to the Pan and stir it up for 2-3 minutes or until brown.
6. Add Chili Pepper while at it…(OPTIONAL)
7. Add the Chopped tomatoes, Salt and keep stirring until they are soft.
8. Add the Dodo leaves to the tomatoes and onions and Stir the mixture well.
9. Cook the Dodo for a few minutes, until they look bright green and tender.
10. Remove from the stove and Serve as a side dish

🙂🙂🙂 Bon appétit!

I hope this post has sparked your interest in cooking this healthy vegetable! Below I will provide some health benefits.

Health benefits of Amaranth leaves / Dodo greens

• Amaranth leaves/ Dodo are high in protein with about twice the amount found in rich corn. The protein is easily absorbed by the body and contains all amino acids, especially lysine and methionine, two amino acids that are not often found in grain.
• They contain high iron content and dietary fibres, so they can help in preventing anaemia in those with iron deficiency.
• They are a good sauce of potassium which help reduce stroke risks.
• It is a source of Vitamin C, which the body needs during the healing process because it helps process iron, the formation of blood vessels, repair muscle tissue and Maintainance of collagen.
• Amaranth/ Dodo leaves are a good source of dietary fiber, which improves digestion and helps in reducing constipation. They are also easier to digest than other leafy greens.

NOTE: The Health information provided here is merely educational and contains no medical or dietary advice.