Millet is a versatile grain that's as delicious as it is healthy. This recipe will walk you through how to cook millet in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It can be enjoyed in sweet and savory recipes. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to prepare this nutrient-packed grain, your Instant Pot is about to become your best friend. If you don't have an Instant Pot, don't worry—we have stovetop instructions, too. This millet recipe is made with just water, which means you can keep it as simple as possible while still enjoying a perfect side dish or base for your meals.
Why Millet?
Millet is a fantastic addition to any diet. It’s gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, and packed with essential nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, and polyphenols. Plus, it cooks quickly and has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, millet is a great choice for a healthy meal.
What You'll Need to Cook Millet
- Millet
- Water
You'll need a fine mesh sieve or colander for rinsing the dried millet and an electric pressure cooker to cook it. We love the Instant Pot and use it to cook dried beans and our ancient grains. If you don't have an electric pressure cooker, feel free to use a medium pot with a lid to cook the millet on the stovetop.
Instant Pot Instructions
The Instant Pot method uses 1 cup of millet and 2 cups of water.
Rinse the Millet
Start by rinsing the millet to remove any dust or impurities. Place the millet in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water. Gently swish the millet around with your hand to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Drain well.
Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Transfer the rinsed and drained millet to the Instant Pot and add 2 cups of water. You don’t need to add anything else at this point, but feel free to experiment with seasonings when you make this again!
Set the Instant Pot
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” depending on your model) and adjust the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
Let the Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Fluff and Serve
Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the millet. This will help separate the grains and give you a light, fluffy texture. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt for flavor.
Stovetop Instructions
The stovetop method uses 1 cup of millet and 4 cups of water.
Rinse the Millet
Start by rinsing the millet to remove any dust or impurities. Place the millet in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water. Gently swish the millet around with your hand to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Drain well.
Add Ingredients to the Pot
Transfer the rinsed and drained millet with water to the medium pot. Turn up the heat to medium-high or high and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat, give it a stir, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the lid on, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the remaining water.
Fluff and Serve
Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the millet. This will help separate the grains and give you a light, fluffy texture. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt for flavor.
Tips for Perfect Millet
- Don’t Skip the Rinsing: Rinsing millet is crucial for removing any bitter residues and helps achieve a better texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Once you get comfortable with the basic recipe, add herbs, spices, or even a touch of garlic to the water for additional flavor.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Millet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
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Serving Suggestions
Millet is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can enjoy your perfectly cooked millet:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside lentils, beans, or cooked veggies, like this savory millet breakfast bowl with summer squash, chana masala, red lentil dal, or curried butter beans.
- In Salads: Let it cool and toss with chopped kale, summer squash, winter squash and one of our many salad dressings like Green Goddess or Tahini Lemon Garlic Sauce.
- In Soups: Add it to soups and stews, such as lentil soup, North African chickpea soup, or veggie chili, for a hearty and nutritious boost.
- Porridge: Enjoy millet as the main feature of a breakfast porridge, topped with fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While this recipe uses water for simplicity, you can enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead.
Yes, many other grains can be cooked using a similar method in the Instant Pot. For example, quinoa, farro, and rice can be prepared with slightly different water ratios and cooking times. Always check the specific ratios and times for each grain.
You can add flavor by incorporating ingredients such as vegetable broth, herbs, or spices directly into the water. A bay leaf, a sprig of rosemary, or a dash of turmeric can infuse the millet with extra flavor. You can also stir in ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, or vegetables after cooking.
Cooked millet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Absolutely! You can reheat millet in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore its fluffy texture.
Leftover millet is versatile! Use it as a base for salads, mix it into soups or stews, or incorporate it into breakfast bowls. You can also use it in baked goods or as a stuffing for vegetables.
No, soaking millet is not necessary when using an Instant Pot. The rinsing step helps remove any impurities and excess starch, making soaking unnecessary.
Ensure the lid is securely closed and the valve is set to “Sealing.” Check for any food particles or residue around the sealing ring or vent that might be preventing a proper seal. Sometimes, a small amount of liquid or a quick inspection of the seal can resolve the issue.
There you have it—a simple, no-fuss way to cook millet in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop. With just water and a few minutes of your time, you can have a nutritious, delicious grain ready to complement any meal.
What’s your favorite way to use millet? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe or give us a follow on @danielsplaterecipes for more easy recipes and cooking tips.
How to Cook Millet
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet
- 2 cups water okay to use low sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- The Instant Pot method uses 1 cup of millet and 2 cups of water.
- Rinse the Millet: Start by rinsing the millet to remove any dust or impurities. Place the millet in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water. Gently swish the millet around with your hand to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Drain well.
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Transfer the rinsed and drained millet to the Instant Pot and add 2 cups of water. You don’t need to add anything else at this point, but feel free to experiment with seasonings when you make this again!
- Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” depending on your model) and adjust the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- Let the Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the millet. This will help separate the grains and give you a light, fluffy texture. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt for flavor.
Stovetop Instructions
- The stovetop method uses 1 cup of millet and 4 cups of water.
- Rinse the Millet: Start by rinsing the millet to remove any dust or impurities. Place the millet in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water. Gently swish the millet around with your hand to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Drain well.
- Add Ingredients to the Pot: Transfer the rinsed and drained millet with water to the medium pot. Turn up the heat to medium-high or high and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat, give it a stir, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the lid on, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the remaining water.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the millet. This will help separate the grains and give you a light, fluffy texture. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt for flavor.
Leftovers
- Cooked millet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Measuring cup
- Fine mesh strainer
- Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) or Medium pot with lid for stovetop method
Kris says
My new go to grain so flaky and yummy.