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    Home » Millet

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

    May 23, 2023 by Sravanthi. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    all millet types in small bowls
    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.

    all millet types in small bowls

    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 

    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

    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

    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)

    proso millet

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    brown top 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.

    Millet salad

    millet salad recipe featured image
    Quick, simple, vegan, and gluten-free millet salad recipe with the goodness of vegetables (broccoli, sweet corn, and carrots). Have this millet salad for breakfast or lunch or dinner!
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Millet khichdi

    millet khichdi served in a plate
    Healthy one-pot Dump and Go recipe with millet that is easy to make and taste delicious. You can make this Indian style millet recipe with any small millets like foxtail millet, little millet, proso millet, Kodo millet, and enjoy it for breakfast or lunch or dinner.
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Instant pot millet

    cook millet in instant pot
    Do you want to include millet in your daily meals? Then make this Instant pot millet and use cooked millet for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This detailed post will teach you how to prep, cook, season, and use the millet for your everyday meals.
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Millet Curd Rice

    curd rice with cooked millet in a bowl
    A healthy, probiotic-rich, and simple recipe with little millet and yogurt. You can make this recipe in just 10 minutes and enjoy it for breakfast or lunch, or dinner.
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Bok choy fried rice

    Make this quick and simple Indian style bok choy fried rice with millet or rice in just 10 minutes! Serve it with any dal or curry for your lunch or dinner.
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Millet Pongal

    This is an easy and healthy millet Pongal recipe. Make your regular South Indian breakfast recipe more nutritious with millet grain.
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    Millet bell pepper fried rice

    millet capsicum rice
    Simple and healthy capsicum rice recipe with cooked millet. You can use cooked rice or quinoa also to make this recipe
    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    all millet types in small bowls

    Common FAQs about millet

    Is millet gluten-free?

    Yes, millet is a gluten-free grain like rice.

    Is millet a grain?

    Yes, millet is a whole grain, often called ancient grains, and are a nutritional powerhouse.

    Is millet a wheat?

    No, millet is a gluten-free grain and a member of the grass family.

    Is millet healthy?

    Yes, millet is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And complex carbohydrates in them make them ideal for diabetic people.

    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

    Tried this recipe?Give the rating by clicking ★ below
    millet

    Millet

    Sravanthi
    Millet is a great side dish and a simple alternative to rice. With this recipe, cook the perfect millet and use it for salads, grain bowls, or stir-fries. All you need is hulled millet, water, and salt.
    5 from 1 vote
    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup millet
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt optional

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse: Rinse the millet a couple of times and drain the water completely.
    • Boil: Add water to the cooking pot and let it come to a boil. To this boiled water, add millet and salt. I add teaspoon of oil (Olive oil or avocado oil), which will yield fluffy millet.
    • Simmer:  Cover the pot with the lid and cook over medium heat for 15 to 16 minutes. By now, all the water will be absorbed by the millet. If not, simmer it until the millet absorbs all liquid.
    • Fluff it up: Switch off the gas, remove the pot from the heat, and let it rest for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, fluff the millet using a fork or a spoon. 
    • Serve: Light and fluffy millet is ready to serve as a side dish.

    Notes

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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 299mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 4gCalcium: 8mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hello, I’m Sravanthi. Here I share easy, healthy, and tasty recipes. I believe in “we are what we eat” and always try to eat homemade food. All my recipes are free from processed foods or ready-made foods and can be done easily without spending much time in the kitchen. more about me!

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