All about millet, different millet types, and easy millet recipes

Do you want to know about millet? Are you struggling to include them in your daily diet? This post will give you all details about millet, millet types, and millet recipes that are so easy and delicious. And these millet recipes can be your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Contents

• What is millet?
• What does millet taste like
• Benefits of millets
• Millet types
• Millet recipes
• Where to buy millet
• How to store millet
• Common FAQs about millet
• How to prepare and eat millet
• Recipe
• Millet

What is millet?

Millet is a gluten-free ancient cereal grain that belongs to the grass family "Poaceae" (1). It is an excellent alternative for people allergic to gluten or who have celiac disease. 

Millet is widely grown in Asia and Africa. And millet is a staple food in many parts of the world. The Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) (2) to promote millets and bring awareness about millet nutritional benefits. 

What does millet taste like

Millets have a mild nutty taste. And they are slightly sweet and absorb flavors well. They go well in both savory and sweet dishes. In general, millet has a pleasant and versatile taste that can blend with different flavors and cuisines. So you can make soup, pilaf, porridge, or even bread.

Benefits of millets

• Rich source of nutrients: Along with antioxidants, millet is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals. Depending on the type of millet, they are rich in phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
• Gluten-free: Millet is a naturally gluten-free grain like rice, making it an excellent option for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Fiber-rich: Millets are a good source of complex carbohydrates such as starch and fiber. They take a longer time to digest and slowly release energy. And hence millet helps regulate blood sugar levels and gives you satisfaction after eating. 
• Versatility: You can make a variety of dishes using the millet. Porridge, salads, casseroles, cakes, and bread are some ways to enjoy millet. In addition, you can make any rice dish with millet. Just replace rice with millet in any recipe.

Millet types

Typically, millet is categorized into two types: large and small millets. Sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet come under large millet. And other millet like Foxtail, Barnyard, Proso, Little, Kodo, and Browntop millet come under small millet.

Sorghum millet 

This is the most popular millet variety, called Jowar, Jonna. Sorghum, widely cultivated across the world, is a versatile grain. From porridge to beer, you can make anything with Sorghum. Sorghum flour is widely used to make various baked goods like bread, muffins, and pancakes. You can also use this to thicken the soups and stews as a replacement for plain flour. 

Pearl millet

Also called Bajra or Sajja, it is mainly grown in semi-arid regions. In India, this millet is mostly consumed in winter as it is heaty. Unlike other millets, these have a bitter aftertaste. Usually, pearl millet flour is used to make flatbread or porridge. And whole pearl millet is used to make Khichdi in winter.

Finger millet

Also known as Ragi, it is popular in India and parts of Africa. Finger millet porridge (Ragi malt) is a popular drink that is consumed as breakfast. Usually, this millet is consumed as flour either by sprouting it or directly milling it. And using finger millet flour, we make flatbread, porridge, laddu, and soup. You can also use this gluten-free ragi flour to make pancakes, muffins, and bread. 

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)

This is widely grown in many parts of the world. The hulled millet we get in most stores is of type proso millet. It is typically light yellow and ideal for making porridge, polenta, and pilaf. Depending on how we cook millet, it will be fluffy and makes excellent pilaf or salad, and can easily replace rice or quinoa.

Little millet

Also called Sama or Samai, it is widely grown in India. This millet is ideal if you consider replacing rice with millet in any recipe. It is small round grain, white in color, and when cooked properly, will be fluffy like rice. And this little millet will almost taste like rice.

Barnyard millet

This is similar to little millet and will be perfect for replacing rice in any recipe. This has a pleasant nutty taste like other small millets and is widely grown in India. Barnyard millet will be ideal for making porridge, pilaf, salad, and polenta.

Foxtail millet

This will be similar to the Proso millet, called Korra, Thinai. This small, round, yellow color grain will be fluffy when cooked and can replace rice in any recipe. This is widely grown in India and China. And is the second-most widely planted species of millet (3).

Kodo millet

Also called Varagu, Arikelu, it is light brown in color. This millet is primarily grown in Nepal, India, and other Asian countries. As Kodo millet is nutty and slightly chewy than other small millet, I prefer using this millet to make Idly and dosa.

Browntop millet

Also called Korale, Anda Korralu is primarily grown in the South Indian States. The size and shape of this browntop millet are like foxtail millet, except the color is brownish. They have a nutty, earthy taste and taste best in soups and stews.

Millet recipes

Here are some of the millet recipes that I posted on this blog.

Where to buy millet

You can find this whole grain in most grocery and health food stores. You will usually find them in the grain or cereal section, often in bulk or pre-packaged.

You can also buy millet from online stores like Amazon, Thrive Market, and Bob's Red Mill.

Specialty stores like Indian or Asian supermarkets will also have all millet varieties.

How to store millet

Store the millet in a clean, dry, and airtight container. I usually store them in glass mason jars and label them. And keep these containers in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.

You can store them in the refrigerator or freezer if you intend to use them for extended periods. This will help in extending the shelf life of millets.

Common FAQs about millet

How to prepare and eat millet

Here I show you the simple method of preparing the millet using a stovetop pan. I have a detailed post also on how to cook millet using different cooking methods.

And once you have the cooked millet, you can make a millet salad, use it for grain bowls, porridge, fried rice, or patties, or replace cooked rice with this millet in any recipe.

The simplest way is to eat the millet with dal or curry as a side dish.

Recipe