Kick off your mornings with Instant Pot millet porridge, where the creamy texture of ancient grains perfectly pairs with nutty sweetness and juicy fruit toppings.
First, we soak the millet, dates, and nuts overnight. This is a vital step to diminish lectins and phytic acid, boosting the digestibility and amplifying the nutritional value of this gluten-free grain.
Our passion for healthy breakfast solutions drives us to constantly curate breakfast recipes that energize your day and incorporate high-vibrational superfoods.
Whether you follow the foundational millet recipe or enhance it with our recommended nuts, dates, and berries, you're setting yourself up for a truly nutritious millet experience without added sugar.
In our variations section, you'll find countless ways to personalize this creamy porridge, tailoring it to your dietary preferences and nutritional goals.
After trial and error, we've crafted the perfect millet recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker with the right amount of water (or date water) and the right amount of time in a basic Instant Pot. It is super easy and perfect for meal prep or making it on busy mornings.
But our exploration doesn't stop with millet porridge. Check out our collection of breakfast bowl recipes, including our Overnight Oats, Chia Pudding, and Hawaiian Acai Bowl.
Before stepping into the kitchen, take a moment to set healthy intentions. To explore this practice further, our free guide on setting intentions provides a great starter guide to harness the power of setting effective intentions.
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What is Millet?
Millet is a versatile ancient grain that belongs to the grass family. It's revered as one of the oldest whole grains used by humans, with a rich history in various cultures, especially in Asian and African countries. As a cereal grain, millet offers a mild flavor that makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, ranging from millet congee to salads and side dishes.
This ancient grain is an excellent addition to a gluten-free diet, serving as a great alternative for those looking to diversify their grain intake beyond the common wheat, barley, and rye. Its glycemic index is lower compared to many other grains, making millet, in moderation, a smart choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Millet is not just one grain but comes in multiple varieties, including foxtail millet, pearl millet, and more, each with its unique benefits and uses. It's easily found in your nearby grocery store, often in the health food section, offering a convenient option for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their meals.
Not only is millet a powerhouse of nutrition, but it also stands as a comfort food in many cultures, providing a sense of home and warmth. Its mild flavor and versatility make it a staple in kitchens around the world, proving that this ancient grain can adapt to most tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you're exploring types of grains to add to your diet, seeking whole grains for health reasons, or experimenting with gluten-free options, millet offers a nutritious, delicious, and great alternative.
Ingredients
Millet: The main ingredient in our porridge, millet is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a gluten-free source of vitamins and minerals. For the best quality, choose organic millet, available at your local store.
Water: Essential for soaking the nuts and seeds and cooking the porridge.
Dates: Serving as a natural sweetener, dates add fiber and nutrients. Select organic Medjool dates for their natural sweetness, available in the dried fruit section of your local store.
Pecans: Adding a dose of healthy fats and antioxidants, pecans bring a nutty flavor to the dish. Look for raw, unsalted pecans, which you can easily find in the nuts section of most local stores.
Goji Berries: These berries boost the dish with their high vitamin C content and antioxidants. Opt for organic, sun-dried goji berries.
Dried Tart Cherries: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, dried tart cherries offer a unique tangy taste. Choose unsweetened, unsulfured varieties.
Salt: Just a little salt can enhance the overall flavor of the porridge. Himalayan pink salt or sea salt, found in any local store, provides additional trace minerals.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Ceylon cinnamon also helps with blood sugar regulation. This true cinnamon variety, preferred for its subtle flavor, is available in the spices section of well-stocked local stores.
Almond Milk: Adds creaminess without dairy, almond milk is rich in vitamins. Choose unsweetened, organic almond milk.
Honey/Maple Syrup (Optional): As natural sweeteners, they bring additional flavor. Raw honey and pure, organic maple syrup are found in the natural foods section of your local store.
Hemp Seeds: A complete protein source, hemp seeds are also rich in omega-3s.
Fresh Raspberries and Blueberries: High in antioxidants, fresh berries add vibrant color and nutrition. Organic varieties are recommended and can be found in the produce section of grocery stores for minimal pesticide exposure.
Instructions
Rinse 1 cup of millet under cold water and soak it along with 1 cup of pecans and ½ cup of dates in separate bowls, using enough water to cover them by a couple of inches, overnight or for at least 8 hours. Soak the dates in about 2.5 cups of water to ensure you have sufficient liquid for cooking.
The next day, drain and rinse the millet and pecans. Measure the date-soaking water. If it's less than 2.5 cups, add purified water to reach the total amount needed. Add the millet and the water mixture to an electric pressure cooker with a pinch of salt. Secure the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then apply a quick pressure release for any remaining steam.
While the millet is cooking, drain the pecans and pulse them in a food processor with the soaked dates until coarsely chopped.
Stir the pecan and date mixture into the cooked millet, along with goji berries, dried tart cherries, and Ceylon cinnamon. Mix well, and adjust the consistency of the porridge with almond milk as needed.
To serve, dish out the porridge into bowls and top each with hemp seeds, fresh raspberries, and blueberries. Enhance the flavor with a splash of almond milk and, if desired, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Hint: Soak the dates in about 2.5 cups of water to ensure you have sufficient liquid for cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
Millet: If you're looking for an alternative to millet, try quinoa or amaranth for a similar nutritional profile and texture. For a creamier dish, millet pudding can be made by simply adjusting the liquid ratio and cooking time.
Cooking Liquid: Swap out water with coconut milk or any plant-based milk for a richer, creamier porridge. These options not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value.
sweeteners: Instead of dates, consider using monk fruit as a low-glycemic sweetener. For those who prefer traditional sweeteners, raw honey or maple syrup are great choices that add a layer of complexity to the taste.
Nuts and seeds: Explore different textures and nutritional profiles by using flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and add more seeds.
Basic Recipe Variation: For a simpler version, cook the millet in your Instant Pot or rice cooker with just water or milk. This base recipe is versatile and can be customized with various toppings.
Fresh Fruit Toppings: Beyond raspberries and blueberries, try sliced bananas, kiwi, or mango for a tropical twist. Fresh fruit toppings add natural sweetness and vibrant color to your breakfast bowl.
Superfood Additions: For an extra nutritional boost, sprinkle in maca or lion's mane mushroom powder. These superfoods offer unique flavors and health benefits, including improved energy levels and cognitive function.
Sweetener Alternatives: If you're avoiding sugar, coconut sugar or maple syrup are excellent alternatives, providing a subtle sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels.
Bee Pollen: For a pop of color and a boost of vitamins, sprinkle bee pollen over your porridge before serving. It's not only nutritious but also adds a delightful crunch.
Storage
Proper storage is key to enjoying your millet porridge for days after cooking. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the porridge from drying out. This method ensures your porridge lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can unevenly heat and potentially spoil the texture of the porridge. Instead, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little plant-based milk or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
If you'd like to extend the shelf life of your millet porridge, freezing is a viable option. Place the cooled porridge in a freezer-safe airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, ensuring a delicious and comforting meal every time.
Top tip
To enhance your cooking experience and ensure perfect millet porridge every time, consider adding a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to the bottom of the pot before cooking. This simple yet effective trick prevents the millet from sticking to the pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Give it a try and see how this small step can make a big difference in your porridge preparation.
FAQ
Yes, millet can be perfectly cooked in a pressure cooker, including an Instant Pot. This method is efficient, retaining the grain's nutrients and achieving a fluffy texture. Cooking millet in a pressure cooker simplifies the process, making it an excellent choice for quick and nutritious meals.
Soaking millet before cooking is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Soaking helps to reduce cooking time, enhance digestibility, and decrease natural inhibitors like phytic acid, which can bind minerals. Overnight soaking is ideal, but even a few hours can make a significant difference.
Absolutely, millet can replace oats in many recipes, including porridge, baked goods, and granola. It's a versatile grain that offers a similar texture and mild flavor. Millet is a great alternative for those looking to diversify their grain intake or for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
Millet porridge is generally easy to digest, especially when the millet is soaked before cooking. Soaking helps break down complex sugars and soften the grains, making them gentler on the digestive system. Plus, millet is naturally gluten-free, which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Breakfast Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Superfood Instant Pot Millet Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup Millet ensuring a fluffy millet texture
- 2.5 cups Water additional for soaking necessary
- ½ cup Dates pitted, for natural sweetness
- 1 cup Pecans adding a satisfying crunch
- ¼ cup Goji Berries for a superfood enhancement
- ¼ cup Dried Tart Cherries adding a tangy flavor
- A pinch of Salt flavor enhancement
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon Cinnamon introducing a warm spice
- ¼ cup Almond Milk adjusting to achieve the perfect consistency
Toppings (per serving):
- 1 tablespoon Hemp Seeds boosting nutrition
- ¼ cup Fresh Raspberries introducing freshness
- ¼ cup Fresh Blueberries for a burst of flavor
Instructions
- Preparation and Soaking: Stir the millet with a wooden spoon under cold water before soaking overnight. Place pecans and dates in separate bowls with sufficient water.
- Cooking Millet: After draining, mix the millet with 2.5 cups of water in the Instant Pot. This crucial step leads to perfectly fluffy millet. Cook under high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release.
- Processing Nuts and Dates: Coarsely chop the pecans and dates in a food processor.
- Combining Ingredients: Incorporate the pecan-date mixture, goji berries, dried cherries, and cinnamon into the cooked millet, using a wooden spoon for thorough mixing.
- Serving: Adorn each serving with hemp seeds, raspberries, and blueberries, adjusting the porridge's consistency with almond milk as preferred.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide inspires you to embrace the joy of making and enjoying Instant Pot millet porridge. Whether you're a seasoned pro at whipping up whole-grain breakfasts or trying millet for the first time, we'd love to hear about your experiences. Did you try any of the substitutions or variations? How did it turn out? Your feedback and stories enrich our community's knowledge and enthusiasm for healthy living.
Don't forget to share your millet porridge creations with us! Tag @mindfullyhealthymama on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and @mindfullyhealthyliving on Facebook. Seeing your beautiful bowls of porridge not only makes our day but also inspires others in our community to try something new.
For those interested in further exploring the benefits of a diet that excludes processed foods and focuses on clean eating, we invite you to read our article on the topic. Clean eating not only nourishes the body but also supports overall well-being, energy levels, and long-term health. Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes directly to your inbox!
Be well,
Natalie
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