Creamy Millet Porridge Recipes

Are you looking for creamy millet porridge recipes? If so, you came to the right place. You know I love whole grains and use them often in my home for feeding myself, my family, and my friends. Millet is a great grain that isn't utilized enough.

Let me share everything you will need to know to make a delicious hot bowl of porridge. Wondering what its texture is like? I think it is very similar to a smooth rice pudding. 

If you are interested in learning what unhulled millet is, check out this post I wrote all about the topic. 

What is millet?

A millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated and consumed as cereal grains. It is a staple crop in many parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. Millet seeds vary in size and shape depending on the specific type of millet but are generally small, round, and similar in size to quinoa or smaller.

It is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and suitable option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Millet is relatively easy to find in the United States. It is available in various forms, including whole millet seeds, millet flour, and even millet-based cereal products. You can typically purchase it at most well-stocked grocery stores, health food stores, or specialty food stores. It may also be available in bulk bins at some stores.

When looking for millet in a grocery store, you can check the following sections:

• Grains and Rice Aisle: Millet is often found alongside other grains like rice, quinoa, and couscous in the grains and rice aisle. Look for bags or containers of whole millet seeds.
• Flour Section: Millet flour, which is used in gluten-free baking, can be found in the flour section. It might be packaged in bags or containers labeled "millet flour."
• Health Food or Gluten-Free Section: Some stores have a dedicated section for health foods or gluten-free products, and you may find various millet-based products, such as millet cereal or millet-based snacks, in this area.
• Bulk Bins: In certain stores, especially health food stores, you might find whole millet seeds available in bulk bins. You can scoop out the amount you need and purchase it by weight.

Types of millet

There are 10  different types of millet, here are a few common types of millet that are used:

1. Pearl Millet: This type of millet is widely grown in Africa, especially in regions with low rainfall.
2. Foxtail Millet: Foxtail millet is commonly grown in Asia, particularly in China and India. It's used in a variety of dishes like porridge and flatbreads.
3. Proso Millet: Proso millet is grown in various parts of the world, including the United States, Russia, and India. It's used for human consumption in cereals, bread, and other foods, as well as in birdseed mixes.
4. Finger Millet: Also known as ragi or African finger millet, this variety is grown primarily in Africa and South Asia. It's used to make porridge, flatbreads, and other traditional dishes.

Ingredients

• Millet- In case you cannot find millet in your local area, you can always order millet online. You may need to rinse and drain the millet before cooking it. Mine has always been very clean, so I don't worry about it. You be the judge. 
• Water- this recipe will use a blend of water and milk to produce the creamy texture you want in a homemade porridge.
• Milk- You can use cow's milk or dairy-free milk like coconut milk or almond milk.  
• Salt- It only takes a touch, but it is necessary. 
• Sweetener- this can be a drizzle of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar.

How to make creamy millet porridge on the cooktop (base recipe)

This is a basic millet porridge recipe to get you started. 

1. Heat the Liquid: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the 2 cups of water and 2 cups of milk (you can use dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.) over medium heat until it's just about to boil.
2. Rinse the Uncooked Millet: While the liquid is heating, place the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the porridge from becoming too sticky.
3. Add Millet to the Heated Liquid: Once the liquid is hot, carefully stir in the rinsed millet.
4. Simmer: Reduce it to low heat, cover the saucepan, and let the millet simmer in the hot liquid for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pot.
5. Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the sugar, salt, and any optional spices or flavorings like vanilla extract. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the millet is tender and the porridge has thickened to your liking. 
6. Blend with Immersion Blender: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the porridge until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. This step will help make the porridge smoother and creamier. It is also an optional step, you can eat the porridge just like it is if you like!
7. Serve: Remove the millet porridge from heat. Taste and adjust the sweetness or flavorings, if needed. Serve the creamy millet porridge hot, topped with your favorite toppings. I will share ideas below. 

Topping ideas for millet porridge (sweet)

1. Fresh Berries: Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add sweetness and a pop of color to your millet porridge.
2. Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, diced apples, pears, or peaches provide natural sweetness and a delicious contrast in texture.
3. Mashed Banana: Mashing a ripe banana and stirring it into your millet porridge can create a creamy and naturally sweet flavor.
4. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Toasted pumpkin seeds add a crunch and nutty flavor while also providing a touch of sweetness.
5. Nut Butter: Drizzle or swirl in almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice for extra creaminess and a nutty sweetness.
6. Honey: A drizzle of honey over your millet porridge not only adds sweetness but also a rich and slightly floral flavor.
7. Maple Syrup: Pouring a bit of pure maple syrup over your porridge gives it a warm, maple sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of millet.
8. Cinnamon and Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic sweet and aromatic topping.
9. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes lend a sweet and tropical flair to your porridge.
10. Chopped Dates or Raisins: Chopped dates or raisins provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
11. Chopped Nuts: Crushed walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios can add a delightful crunch and nutty sweetness.
12. Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent treat, sprinkle some chocolate chips or cocoa nibs on top of your millet porridge.

Topping ideas for millet porridge (savory toppings)

1. Sautéed Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes add flavor, texture, and a savory dimension to your millet porridge.
2. Grated Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese, such as Parmesan, cheddar, or feta, over your millet porridge for a creamy and savory touch.
3. Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, chives, or cilantro bring brightness and freshness to your savory millet porridge.
4. Poached or Fried Egg: Top your millet porridge with a poached or fried egg for a protein-rich and savory breakfast option. The runny yolk can serve as a rich sauce.
5. Sliced Avocado: Creamy slices of avocado provide a satisfying richness and a subtle, nutty flavor.
6. Salsa: Spoonfuls of salsa, whether it's mild or spicy, add a burst of flavor and a hint of heat to your millet porridge.
7. Sautéed Tofu or Tempeh: Crumbled or cubed sautéed tofu or tempeh offers a plant-based source of protein and savory depth.
8. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
9. Bacon or Sausage Crumbles: Crumbled cooked bacon or sausage bits can infuse your porridge with smoky, savory goodness.
10. Soy Sauce or Tamari: A drizzle of soy sauce or tamari provides a salty and savory umami flavor.
11. Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds, cashews, chia seeds, or sesame seeds, contribute a satisfying crunch and nutty undertones.

How to store cooked millet in the fridge

After cooking the millet, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This cooling period prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess. Once it's cool, transfer the leftover millet porridge to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag if you don't have a container. Ensure that the container or bag is clean and dry. 

Seal it tightly to prevent moisture and air from entering, which helps maintain the millet's freshness and prevents it from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge. Label the container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness. Store the sealed container or bag of cooked millet on a shelf in the refrigerator rather than in the fridge door, as the door is subject to temperature fluctuations. 

Cooked millet can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, so it's best to consume it within this time frame to ensure its quality.

How to cook millet in a rice cooker

If you are interested in learning how to cook millet in a rice cooker, I wrote a post about it. This simple hands-off method is so easy to do. Once you try this, you will never go back to the cooktop again. 

• Breakfast
• Millet