Instant pot millet comes out perfect in under 30 minutes and can be used in so many ways. Enjoy this rich in protein gluten-free grain as a side dish, a breakfast porridge, or add it to soups, stews, and salads.
What is millet
Millet is a cereal grain that comes from a grass plant. This small, round grain is naturally gluten-free and has a mild sweet flavor similar to corn. It is popular in Asian, African, and European countries.
There are a lot of varieties of millets. Pearl millet and foxtail millet are the most common types that can be found at the grocery store Millet is known for its amazing health benefits.
This ancient grain is a good source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and micro-nutrients and it is heart healthy. It is high in magnesium and phosphorus. These tiny grains will diversify the meals of those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Cooked millet is super versatile. Growing up in Ukraine, my mom cooked us millet as a breakfast porridge or a side dish.
Ingredients
- Millet - I used organic whole grain millet. You can purchase it online or find it at your local store. Bob's red mill and Eden are the most popular brands in the US.
- Water - filtered water to cook the grain. You can use coconut milk (or other) if making a sweet porridge or vegetable broth for a savory side dish.
- Salt - I add just a little bit of salt for taste. You can add more salt to already cooked grain.
- Butter (optional) - I like to add a little bit of butter for serving.
See the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
Instructions
- Rinse: in a fine mesh strainer, rinse the millet under cold running water for about 40 seconds. Drain off the access water.
- Add: add water, millet and salt to the instant pot. You can use broth (savor side) or milk (sweet porridge) instead of water.
- Pressure cook: cover the Instant Pot with the lid and move the pressure valve into the "sealing" position. Set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure. It will take 5-15 minutes to reach the pressure. Once it does, the cooking time will begin the countdown.
- Pressure release: when cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release by turning the valve to the "venting" position to remove any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully. Fluff it with the fork, add some butter and serve!
Note: you can also use a porridge setting to cook the grain. Keep in mind, that the grain will have porridge constancy when using this automatic setting. Add one part of millet and two parts of liquid and pressure cook for 15 minutes on the porridge setting.
How to store and reheat
- Refrigerate: store cooked millet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: once the millet cools down to room temperature, transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: add the needed amount to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave covered for 30-40 seconds or until steamy hot. Or add cold millet with a few tablespoons of water to the pan and heat it on low covered.
How to serve
Millet is a great alternative to white rice and can be served in a variety of ways.
- Savory: side dish, stir-fries, stews, soups, salads, stuffed peppers, or cabbage.
- Sweet: as healthy breakfast porridge (add milk, honey, and fresh fruit); add some cold millet and favorite toppings to a bowl of yogurt (in place of granola).
If you are a fan of a cozy breakfast porridge, you may like my Barley Breakfast Porridge.
Recipe tips
- Rinse the millet before cooking under cold water.
- Although Instant Pot is my preferred method, you can also cook millet on the stove top by following the package instructions.
- Pilaf millet (best for savory dishes) - use 2 parts of water for 1 cup of grain, and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Porridge millet (best for sweet dishes) - one 3 parts of grain for every cup of grain, pressure cook for 15 minutes.
Common questions
No, millet does not require soaking. You will only need to rinse it under old water.
Yes, but moderation is the key. Millet has fewer crabs and a low glycemic index. Rice is low in protein and fiber while millet is rich in both. Millet grains are more environmentally sustainable compared to rice.
Yes. For gluten-free baking use millet flour. You can add cooked millet to your muffin batter or even to a pie filling for extra nutrition.
Other instant pot recipes
Instant Pot Millet
Equipment
- 1 instant pot
- 1 Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet (whole grain)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a mesh strainer, add measured millet and rinse it under running cold water. Drain the access water.
- In your Instant Pot, add millet, salt and water. Close the lid and place the pressure valve in the "sealing" position.
- Set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is over, let it naturally release for 10 minutes followed by a quick release for the remaining steam.
- Carefully open the lid, and fluff it with the fork. You can add butter or ghee if serving as a side dish.
Notes
- rinse millet under cold water before cooking.
- in place of water, use milk for sweet porridge or broth for savory dishes.
- one cup of uncooked millet makes about 3 ½ cups of cooked.
- nutritional facts are for information purposes only, and not to be considered medical advice.
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