We all know of the classic oatmeal porridge, but have you ever tried a warm bowl of millet porridge? It is creamy, gluten-free, packed with nutrients and is a perfect breakfast cereal to enjoy on a cold morning.

What is millet?

Millet is a grain that is rooted in Asia, especially India. Many people feed millet grains to pet birds or livestock, but it is also enjoyed by humans. It is small, yellow-ish, circular and is popular among those who have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

It is slightly sweet and has a very mild flavor, that means it readily absorbs any kind of flavor you add to it. This character trait is similar to other grains like rice,oats or quinoa. Millet is also similar to these grains in terms of how you cook them. You can prepare them in savory way and enjoy it fluffy and chewy or you can make a sweet and creamy dish.

Common types of Millet

Pearl millet- also known as bajra is larger compared to the other types and is of a dark brown colour.

Foxtail millet- They are popular, very versatile and is yellow-brown in colour.

Finger millet- also known as ragi and has a red/brown colour.

Why you will Love this recipe:

Millet sooths Digestive disorders: Millet is easy to digest and is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. It contains probiotics which feed the good bacteria in your digestive system and make them flourish. If you have ulcers or chronic acid reflux, try to include millet in your diet when possible.

May aid in weight loss: Having millet porridge on a regular basis will come with a lot of health benefits and maintaining a healthy weight is one of them. Millet is a fibrous grain and as such, it takes longer to digest which will in turn, make you feel fuller for longer. This may curb your cravings and frequent snacking.

Millet porridge is great for babies: Millet is packed with nutrients perfect for growing babies, its easy to feed them this creamy dish and it’s great for their digestion.

Easy-to-make: This breakfast cereal comes together in no time and is perfect for fast-paced weekdays. If you don’t have time to eat it, you can bring it with you and enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Perfect for elders who have oral challenges: This millet porridge is delicious, nutritious, and easy to eat.

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that the amounts of the ingredients and the cooking instructions (in detail) are in the RECIPE CARD. Keep scrolling and you will find it down below.

Millet– Proso millet is used in this recipe, it is the most common type and is yellow/tan in colour, see recipe notes on how to use millet flour to make this porridge.

Cashew milk- creamy and rich in protein and healthy fats. You can sub for another protein rich milk like soy milk or pea milk.

Maple syrup- just to add a bit of sweetness

Ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract- these cozy spices enhance the flavor of the millet.

Salt- don’t forget this ingredient when making porridge. A little goes a long way!

How to cook Millet Porridge

Rinse millet grains under running water and set aside.

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the millet, salt, reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.

Add the cooked millet and the cashew milk to a blender or blend until smooth.

Return this mixture to a low flame, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Allow the porridge to thicken until desired consistency is reached. For a thinner porridge add more liquid and if you like your porridge thick allow it to cook for a bit longer.

How to make Millet Porridge in an Instant pot

If you’d like to just throw all your ingredients in a pot and forget about it until you’re ready to eat, definitely go the instant pot route. Just add all the ingredients in the pot, set the pressure at high and cook for 10 minutes. Manually release the pressure and stir. This recipe is delicious as is but, if you’d like, you can then blend with an immersion blender to make it smooth and creamy.

How to make Millet Flour Porridge

Millet flour porridge- use a 1:2 ratio of millet to liquid instead of what I used in this recipe 1:4.

Serving suggestions

Chocolate peanut butter millet porridge: Simply add two tablespoons of cocoa powder when blending and drizzle on a tablespoon of peanut butter when serving.

Banana nut millet porridge: Slice a ripe banana into coins, chop a tablespoon of walnuts and sprinkle on top of your porridge when serving.

Berry medley millet porridge: remove a ¼ cup of frozen berries and allow them to thaw, add them to your porridge when serving.

For extra protein and gut-friendly bacteria: top your porridge with ¼ – ½ cup of yogurt.

You can get creative and top with granola, coconut flakes, dried fruit or seeds you have in your pantry.

How to store and reheat Millet Porridge

Store your porridge in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for 3-5 days.

To reheat on the stovetop- add the porridge to a pot over low heat. Add ½ cup of milk and mix until fully warmed through.

To reheat in the microwave- add the porridge to a microwaveable bowl, add ¼ cup of milk and microwave for 3-4 minutes, mixing at the halfway mark.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Millet porridge make you fat?

Like every other type of food (besides salad greens) if you eat too much, it will promote weight gain. This recipe makes a moderate amount for two adults.

How to make overnight millet porridge?

Use ¼ cup of millet, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 cup of milk to a jar and allow it to soak in the refrigerator overnight.

Is Millet porridge good for weight loss?

A moderate bowl of millet porridge is satisfying, fiber-rich and will leave you feeling fuller for longer.

Is Millet porridge healthy?

Indeed, it is packed with soluble and insoluble fiber. It also contains cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Can I add pumpkin to my Millet porridge?

Yes you can, add ½ cup of pumpkin puree to this recipe.

If you try this recipe, rate it and let me know how it tastes in the comments below.