Here’s how to cook millet and some of the best millet recipes! A delicious alternative to couscous or rice, easy to prepare and versatile.
Looking for a new whole grain to add to your repertoire? Try millet! millet trumps grains like quinoa and farro: Maybe because it’s also used as bird seed in the US! But it’s a staple in Africa, Asia and beyond, and it keeps well when cooked. Rather than being very chewy like many whole grains, millet has a light, almost couscous-like texture. It cooks in just 20 minutes, half the time of brown rice. Use in cereal bowls, cereal salads, casseroles, soups, veggie burgers and more!
What is millet?
Millet is a whole grain that looks like a tiny kernel of corn. It is actually a seed that comes from plants in the grass family Poaceae. It’s gluten-free and a great substitute for couscous or bulgur. An important staple in Africa and Asia, this seed is gaining popularity in the West for its nutritional content. Millet is quite high in protein (1 cup of cooked millet contains 6 grams of protein). It is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
There are many varieties of millet, but your local grocery store most likely sells yellow millet. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is an easy side dish. It also works as a hearty breakfast cereal with milk and honey or sugar, similar to oatmeal.
How to cook millet: tips
There are several ways to cook millet: go to the recipe below for our master method! Here are some basic method tips before you start:
- For a fluffy, light millet, use 1 part dried millet to 2 parts water. The directions on your pack of millet may be different from ours, but we’ve found this ratio works best for us.
- First, roast the millet in a dry pan. Stir over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This helps bring out its nutty flavor.
- Add the water, olive oil, and salt and simmer for 17 to 20 minutes. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to minimum and cover the pan. Boil until all the water is absorbed.
Millet Recipes
Millet is a versatile grain that you can use in many different ways! Eat it as a side dish, in a meal bowl, toss it in soups and stews, eat it in a casserole, or even in a veggie burger. Here are some of our favorite millet recipes:
Use millet instead of rice in casseroles! This cheesy broccoli casserole is comfort food with a healthy twist. It contains whole grain millet and roasted broccoli.
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Millet is a grain bowl idea! Combine millet with chickpeas, Mediterranean vegetables and creamy tahini sauce for a healthy, quick and easy dinner.
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Millet is ideal in grain salads! Use it here as a substitute for couscous (use the same amount as directed). This colorful couscous salad recipe tastes irresistibly fresh with herbs, garlic and lemon! It is ideal as a side dish, lunch, picnic or potluck.
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Millet is a great alternative to rice in stuffed peppers! These easy to make Stuffed Peppers have a simple, super delicious veggie filling.
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Photo credit:
www.loveandlemons.com
Try millet in a veggie burger or donut! These veggie-filled Millet Curry Cakes make for a fun, unexpected, and delicious vegetarian dinner. about love and lemons
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Photo credit:
naturalella.com
Want an alternative to oatmeal? Try millet as a creamy porridge for breakfast. Garnish with fruits and nuts for a hearty, nutrient-dense breakfast. about, of course, Ella
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Add veggies to millet for an all-in-one meal! This one contains carrots, celery, peas, spinach and butternut squash. about food 52
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This millet recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
The description
How to cook millet in 20 minutes with 3 ingredients! A delicious alternative to couscous or rice, easy to prepare and versatile.
- 1 cup millet
- 2 cups the water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour the millet into a dry pan. Grill over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until roasted and you can hear the millet popping, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in the 2 cups of water (it will splash while the pan is hot, so be careful). Add olive oil and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pan and simmer until the water is completely absorbed, about 17 to 20 minutes.
- Let stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff up the millet with a fork. Add more salt if you like. Add chopped herbs, spices, more olive oil or butter, or Parmesan to taste as a garnish.
- Category: garnish
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: American
Keywords: Millet, How to cook millet, millet recipe
