How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (2024)

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Welcome to the world of cooking with millet. With this recipe, you can easily make fluffy millet in less than 30 minutes, whether you are a pro or a beginner.

With just two ingredients - millet grain and water, you can cook the perfect fluffy millet every single time. And use this cooked millet to make your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (1)
Jump to:
  • What is millet?
  • Should millet be soaked before cooking?
  • Ingredients
  • How to cook millet - the foolproof recipe
  • Millet water ratio
  • Recipe Notes
  • Tips to get fluffy and perfect millet
  • Storage
  • Serving suggestions
  • Common faqs
  • Recipe

What is millet?

Millet is a round-shaped cereal grain that belongs to the grass family Poaceae. This ancient grain is gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants (1).

Unlike wheat, these are gluten-free and can grow efficiently with less water, even in hot temperatures. And hence these are grown extensively in Asian and African countries.

There are many types of millet. Most common ones are Soghum, Proso millet, Pearl millet and Finger millet.

How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (2)

Millet is an excellent grain to use in cooking because it's vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients such as protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Having such a versatile ingredient in everyday meals is great.

Should millet be soaked before cooking?

Is soaking millet before cooking worth your time? Yes, and I highly recommend soaking millet for its numerous advantages.

Some of them are

  • By soaking millet, you will get a delightful creamy texture in your millet porridge. The outer covering of millet can be slightly tough, but soaking helps soften it, resulting in a silky-smooth consistency.
  • Soaking will yield fluffy millet, perfect for salads, stir-fries, and pilafs.

Soaking is optional. Even if you are out of time and skipped soaking, you can cook perfect millet with my recipe.

How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (3)

Ingredients

  • Millet grain: This recipe works for any small grain millet. In this recipe, I used foxtail millet. But you can use other small millet - little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, browntop millet.
  • Water: We will need the right amount of water for cooking millet to perfection. If you intend to use millet for porridge, use more water. Else, take water in the exact mentioned quantity for the fluffy millet.
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How to cook millet - the foolproof recipe

In this post, I will show you how to cook millet using three simple techniques. Whether you use a stove top pan, stove top pressure cooker, or Instant Pot, your millet will be perfectly cooked in less than 30 minutes.

Prep millet

Usually, millet from the supermarkets will be clean. If it's not, clean the millet and remove any dirt or debris from it.

Now wash the millet a couple of times with clean water. If you are not soaking, you may need to rub it with your hands to remove the dirt altogether. Finally, drain the water entirely from the millet and keep it aside.

Soak millet

Soaking millet is optional, but I usually soak the millet for 4 to 8 hours. If you are soaking for more time, do it in the refrigerator as millets ferment.

After soaking, rinse the soaked millet 2 to 3 times and completely drain the water. Using a colander makes the job easy, as millet grain is tiny and difficult to handle with bare hands.

Cooking the Millet

  • Heat a thick-bottomed cooking pot or pan. Add the drained millet and the appropriate amount of water to the cooking pot, and close it partially with the lid.
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  • For soaked millet, use 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of millet. The millet-to-water ratio is 1:2 for unsoaked millet. That means, for every 1 cup of millet, use 2 cups water.
  • Increase the heat to high and let the water come to a boil, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
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  • Now reduce the heat to low and fully cover the pot with the lid.
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  • Let the millet cook until all the water is absorbed. It will take around 6 to 8 minutes for pre-soaked millet and 10-13 minutes for unsoaked millet.
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  • Your millet will be perfectly cooked when all the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit for an additional ten minutes.
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  • After 10 minutes, fluff it up with a fork, and the cooked millet is ready to be savored and enjoyed.
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Millet water ratio

1 cup millet Soaked millet Unsoaked millet
(Water)(Water)
Stove top Pan1.5 cups 2 to 2.5 cups
Instant Pot 1.25 cups 1.75 cups
Stove top Pressure Cooker 1.5 cups 2 cups
Rice Cooker1.5 cups2 cups

Recipe Notes

  • Want to make flavorful millet? Instead of water, use vegetable broth or any other flavored broth for cooking the millet.
  • Adding a pinch of salt while cooking millet will also make it tasty. If you find millet bland, add a little salt.
  • You can use whole spices like bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon to flavor the millet.
  • To make the creamy millet, use coconut milk instead of water to cook the millet.
  • I used coconut oil to cook the millet. You can even use butter, ghee, or other oils like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil.
  • For extra nuttiness and depth, lightly toast the millet grains in the saucepan before adding the water. Heat the dry millet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then proceed with the recipe.
  • Naturally, this recipe is vegan and gluten free.

Tips to get fluffy and perfect millet

  • Soaking the millet will make it fluffy; if you have time, soak it.
  • Though oil is optional, adding oil while cooking millet will make it fluffy. And millet grains will not stick.
  • It's tempting to stir it often but avoid it, as mixing will break the grains and make them lumpy.
  • Once you switch off the flame, keep the millet aside for 10 minutes. That residual steam will cook the millet thoroughly.
  • After 10 minutes of cooking, fluff it with a fork and let it cool down before using it. Cooled millet will be more fluffy.

Storage

Once you have prepared millet, you can use it immediately for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or you can store the millet for later use.

Cooked millet keeps well at room temperature for about 8 to 12 hours. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Here are some tips I usually follow to store the millet and use it later.

  • Cool it down:Before storing the millet, let it cool down completely. This will prevent moisture buildup, and millet will not be spoiled.
  • Portion-sized containers:I always put the millet in portion-sized airtight containers to freeze or store it in the refrigerator. This way, we can take only the required quantity from the fridge and use it immediately.
  • Thawing and reheating:When using the refrigerated or frozen millet, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, add a little water or broth to a saucepan and gently warm the millet over low heat until it's heated. If you make stir-fries, you can directly add the millet and heat it with the veggies. If your millet is dry, add a tablespoon or two of water while heating it.

Serving suggestions

Now that you've mastered cooking fluffy millet, it's time to explore the delicious ways to enjoy this versatile grain.

Breakfast:We can make a delicious and nutritious breakfast bowl using millet. Top a serving of cooked millet with fresh seasonal fruits and a sprinkle of your favorite nuts or seeds. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. You could add a splash of milk as well.

To make a savory millet breakfast bowl, mix cooked millet with yogurt, chopped veggies, and spices of your choice.

You could add a dollop of nut butter to the millet breakfast bowl for added taste and texture.

Lunch:

For a satisfying lunch, serve the millet salad along with any protein. It will be an easy and quick satiating lunch.

You can stuff the bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of cooked millet, sauteed vegetables, and your choice of protein. Bake until tender, and enjoy a hearty and wholesome meal.

How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (11)

Or, you can use plain millet to substitute rice or quinoa and enjoy it with dal or curry. Here are some vegetarian curry recipes that go very well with millet.

Saag Chana

Black beans curry

Chickpea lentil curry

Dinner:

Use millet in stir-fries, pilafs, and soups to make a hearty and nourishing dinner.

After a tiring day, I use cooked millet to make the grain bowl. Add half a cup of cooked millet, beans, veggies of your choice, and some pesto sauce to a bowl to make millet grain bowls. You can use any leftover curry also to make this bowl. Black-eyed peas, curried adzuki beans, and curried chickpeas taste good with millet and make the millet grain bowl flavorful.

I have shared many millet recipes that can be part of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do try them out.

Other whole grain recipes that you will like

  • Savory oatmeal with steel-cut oats
  • Quinoa pudding
  • Instant pot steel cut oats

Common faqs

Where can I find millet grain?

Millet grain is found in most local grocery stores or specialty food markets. Look for it in the grains or bulk food section, usually alongside other whole grains like quinoa or rice.

How much does 1 cup of dry millet yield?

One cup of raw millet will yield around 4 cups of cooked millet.

Can you eat millet every day?

Yes, but moderation is the key. And we should include all types of grains (like rice, wheat, buckwheat, cassava, amaranth) in our day-to-day cooking. Along with grains, the right amount of pulses, legumes, and vegetables makes the complete meal.

How can I add flavor to cooked millet?

While millet has a mild, nutty flavor, adding various ingredients can enhance its taste. Consider stirring in herbs, spices, or vegetable broth while cooking. You can also mix in sauteed vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, or seeds when serving millet as a side dish or in salads.

Are millets good for dinner?

You can have millet for any meal. Portion control and balancing it with veggies and other foods is the key.

Have you tried this recipe? Provide your feedback by giving a star rating and/or leaving comments. And don't forget to share the recipe with others on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.

Recipe

How to cook millet (Easy millet recipe)

Sravanthi Chanda

Discover how to cook millet using a stovetop pan, stovetop pressure cooker, or Instant Pot for a fast and effortless meal.

4.50 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Global

Servings 4

Calories 198 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

  • Pressure cooker

  • Rice cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup millet
  • 1.25 cups water exact quantity depends on the cooking method. Check millet water ration section.
  • 1 teaspoon oil optional but recommended for fluffy millet

Instructions

Prep millet

  • If you are soaking the millet, do it for 6 to 8 hours.

  • Wash the millet a couple of times with clean water. If you are not soaking it, you may need to rub it with your hands to remove the dirt.

  • Drain the water from the millet entirely and keep it aside.

How to cook millet using Stove top pan

  • Heat a thick-bottomed cooking pot or pan. Add the drained millet and the appropriate amount of water to the cooking pot, and close it partially with the lid.

  • For soaked millet, use 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of millet. The millet-to-water ratio is 1:2 for unsoaked millet. That means, for every 1 cup of millet, use 2 cups water.

  • Increase the heat to high and let the water come to a boil, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

  • Now reduce the heat to low and fully cover the pot with the lid.

  • Let the millet cook until all the water is absorbed. It will take around 6 to 8 minutes for pre-soaked millet and 10-13 minutes for unsoaked millet.

  • Your millet will be perfectly cooked when all the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit for an additional ten minutes.

  • After 10 minutes, fluff it up with a fork, and the cooked millet is ready to be savored and enjoyed.

Cooking millet using Instant pot

  • Add drained millet, water, and a teaspoon of oil to the inner pot. Use 1.25 cups of water for 1 cup of pre-soaked millet. And for unsoaked millet, use 1.75 cups of water.

  • Close the lid properly, and move the steam-releasing valve to the SEALING position.

  • Select manual or pressure cook mode and cook it on HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes if using pre-soaked millet. Cook it for 8 minutes if using unsoaked millet.

  • Switch it off once done, wait 10 minutes, and do a normal pressure release.

  • Fluff it up with a fork, and the millet is ready to use.

How to cook millet in a Stovetop Pressure Cooker

  • Add millet, water, and teaspoon of oil to the pressure cooker.

  • Close the lid and let it cook for 1 to 2 whistles on medium-high heat for pre-soaked millet. It will take around 5 minutes. For unsoaked millet, cook it for 2-3 whistles, about 7 to 8 minutes.

  • Once done, take it out of the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

  • Once the pressure is released completely, remove the lid and fluff it up with a fork.

Rice cooker millet

  • Add drained millet, water, and teaspoon of oil to the rice cooker's inner pot.

  • If you use soaked millet, use 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup. For unsoaked millet, for every 1 cup of millet, use 2 cups of water.

  • Close the rice cooker with its lid and use a white rice setting if your rice cooker has options to select. Else select the cook button.

  • Once the rice cooker completes the cooking process, switch it off and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then fluff up the millet using a fork, which is ready for use.

Notes

Nutrition values are my rough estimates. Please feel free to use your calculator if you rely on them for your diet.

  • This method will yield fluffy millet. If you want porridge consistency then use 1:3 millet to water ratio.
  • Check the millet to water ratio section for more details.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 4gCalcium: 6mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to cook millet (Easy and quick recipe) - Everyday Nourishing Foods (2024)

FAQs

How do you use millet in your daily life? ›

Make fermented dishes: Soak whole millets overnight, grind them into a paste, and use the batter to make idli, dosa, or dhokla. You can also ferment cooked whole millets and consume them as porridge mixed with dahi (yoghurt) the next day.

How do you make millet more digestible? ›

Soaking. Many cooks like to soak millet before cooking. Soak millet anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight to make it more tender and digestible.

Do you have to rinse millet before cooking? ›

Not necessarily. The only grain I habitually rinse is quinoa because of its bitter coating, saponin. I don't find it necessary or beneficial to rinse millet. Sometimes you'll see little black pebble-like bits in your millet, and these are simply the unhulled grain.

What is the best way to eat millet? ›

This pseudograin also makes a great bed for roasted vegetables, curries, and stews. Lightly toast millet before cooking to enhance the earthy, nutty flavor. Leftover millet can be tossed in salads or added to your morning eggs ( I love adding about ½ cup of cooked millet to frittatas - it's a great way to add bulk).

Which millet is healthiest? ›

Which Millet is the healthiest? A. Most millets have similar health benefits. However, Sorghum (Jowar), pearl millet (Bajra), foxtail millet (Kangni), finger millet (Ragi), Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Little Millet, and Proso Millet are among the healthiest millet grains available.

What happens if you don't soak millet? ›

Introduce these in your diet gradually and soak the millets before using them in recipes to avoid any digestive troubles. Soaking, sprouting or fermenting the millets before eating them is important, otherwise the phytic acid present in them could reduce the absorption of other nutrients.

How much millet should you eat per day? ›

So, if you are taking millets then you 5 can take about 1/3rd or 33% (90-100gm of millets per day) of the recommended quantity . Side effects of millets only occur if it is consumed excessively. A balanced diet can help in lowering these adverse millets' side effects.

How is millet traditionally eaten? ›

Millet porridge is a traditional food in Russian, German, and Chinese сuisines. In Russia, it is eaten sweet (with milk and sugar added at the end of the cooking process) or savoury with meat or vegetable stews.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating millet? ›

Digestive problems (gas, bloating, stomach upset etc.)

Millets are high in fiber and may cause digestive issues in susceptible individuals. If you have a sensitive gut, you might experience discomfort and other gastric symptoms such as gas and bloating after consuming millets.

Which millet is best for bowel movement? ›

One of the best millet is sorghum otherwise known as Jowar, which is highly recommended for gut health as it's gluten-free, rich in protein, micronutrients, iron and many more. It is easy to digest than wheat and can be easily compared with quinoa.

Is millet good for bowel movement? ›

High in complex carbs, millets are counted among low GI foods that can prevent blood sugar spikes. The insoluble fibre in millets act as a prebiotic which introduces good bacteria in your gut. This bulks up your stool and keeps constipation at bay.

How do you know when millet is done? ›

To a small saucepan, add millet and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and millet is fluffy. Fluff with a fork, then cover and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Why do you soak millet overnight? ›

Soak this overnight, and rinse well in the morning. This helps to make the grain easier to digest, release enzyme inhibitors, and therefore we reap more of the rewards from its inherent nutrition. Millet also benefits from a little light toasting, to bring out its nuttiness.

Does cooked millet need to be refrigerated? ›

Once millet is cooked, it can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Unlike other grains, millet will become solid and dry when cold and needs to be broken up and reheated before using.

What is millet commonly used for? ›

Millets are a group a small, round whole grains grown in India, Nigeria, and other Asian and African countries. Considered an ancient grain, they are used both for human consumption and livestock and bird feed (4, 5 ). They have multiple advantages over other crops, including drought and pest resistance.

What do people use millet for? ›

Ground millet makes a great substitute for, or addition to, whole wheat flour in baked goods. Puffed millet can be eaten as a snack or used as a substitute for puffed rice. Millet in any form can be a healthy addition to most diets. Millet contains magnesium, which helps to regulate heart rhythm.

What is millet mainly used for? ›

Millets are cereals from the Poaceae grass family and are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops. Generally, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) are known as the two major millets used for food and feed.

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