How to Cook Millet

Millet, which is often considered as a bird food, is actually one of the nutritious foods for humans as well. This cereal crop is a rich source of nutrients and is cultivated in many regions of the world, especially, Asia and Africa. It is equally used as a food source and fodder. It is believed to be one of the oldest foods that have been used throughout the ages. There are different varieties of millets, but, the small, round and cream-colored grains with a small dot-like mark, are found to be the commonly available form of millet. You can include millet in your diet and enjoy its goodness.

Cooking Millet

Like other grains and cereals, millet too can be cooked in many different ways. While, whole millet can be boiled and used as a replacement for rice, it can also be used for preparing porridge. Even millet flakes are used for this purpose. Another method is to grind them to flour that can be used for preparing bread. It can also be popped like popcorn. In some regions, millet is fermented for making beer.

Cook Millet on Stove
Even though, millet can be directly cooked with water, most people prefer toasted grains, for cooking. It is said that toasting enhances the nutty flavor of these grains. In order to prepare a side dish for four people, you require 1¼ cup of millet, 2½ cups of water and salt as per taste (or one or two pinches). Take a skillet and roast the millet, over medium heat. Stir the grains continuously, so as to avoid burning. As they turn golden brown in color, you may notice a slightly nutty aroma, being released from the grains. Remove the grains from heat and transfer them to a pot. Add water to the pot and bring it boil. As the water boils, lower the heat and cook for around 20 minutes or till the water is absorbed. Cooked millet will have a slight nutty flavor and can be a perfect side dish. You may also serve millet with soups or stews.

If you want to cook millet for breakfast, take a cup of millet and rinse it well. Take a pan and add ½ cup each of milk and water to it. As this mixture boils, add the rinsed millet. Cook the millet on medium heat, till it reaches the consistency of porridge. It will take around 20 to 30 minutes for such cooking. You may add honey and raisins to this millet porridge and serve.

Use a Rice Cooker/Microwave
Take a cup of millet and rinse well. Add two cups of water to the rice cooker, along with a teaspoon of salt. As millet has a mild flavor, you may use broth instead of water, so as to enhance its taste. In this case, you can use two cups of broth. Turn on the rice cooker, which will turn off automatically, as the millet gets cooked. It will take around 20 minutes for cooking millet in rice cooker.

Millet can also be cooked in a microwave oven. Take 1½ cups of millet in a microwave safe bowl and add three cups of water into it. You may also add 1½ tablespoon of butter for an added flavor. Cover the bowl and cook in the microwave, which is set on high. You have to cook the millet for around 20 minutes or till the water is fully absorbed. Remove from the microwave and allow to sit for at least five minutes, before you serve this cooked millet.

Now, you have a basic idea about how to cook millet for breakfast or for any other meal. You can include millet in your diet and enjoy its nutritional benefits. The above said is some of the simple methods of cooking millet. You may gather other such millet recipes and try them.