Learn how to cook millet to perfection with this easy step-by-step guide. Millet is a versatile and nutritious grain that's gluten-free and packed with goodness! Post includes Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Instant Pot PIP method.

As a child growing up in India, the aroma of millet dishes wafting from my grandmother's kitchen was a daily delight. My grandma, a wise and loving woman, cherished the ancient tradition of cooking millets that had been passed down through generations.
She would sit on the floor, expertly measuring out the millets, her fingers moving with grace and precision. Her cooking was a harmony of spices and flavors, and the millet dishes she made were nothing short of culinary masterpieces.
Each meal she prepared was a testament to her love and dedication to both her family and her heritage. Her millet dishes were not just food; they were a taste of the past, a connection to our roots.
I remember the warmth of her kitchen, the sound of sizzling spices, and the laughter that filled the air as we gathered around her table. Those moments, sharing a meal made with love and millets, have left an indelible mark on my heart.
Now, as I prepare millet dishes of my own, I carry forward the legacy she left me - a legacy of love, tradition, and the simple, nourishing beauty of millets. In every bite, I taste not only the flavors of India but also the love and memories that continue to nourish my soul.
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What is Millet
Millet is a versatile, nutrient-dense ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years, with its origins tracing back to ancient civilizations in Asia and Africa. This resilient grain is celebrated for its adaptability to various climates, making it a crucial crop in regions with challenging growing conditions.
Packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, millet offers a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, better heart health, and stable blood sugar levels. Its gluten-free nature makes it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities, while its low glycemic index makes it an ideal grain for managing diabetes. Learn more about millet at Healtline.com
Furthermore, millet's mild, slightly nutty flavor provides a delightful addition to a diverse array of dishes, ranging from hearty pilafs and salads to comforting porridges and baked goods. With its rich history and remarkable nutritional profile, millet continues to captivate the modern culinary world, offering a wholesome and sustainable alternative to more commonly consumed grains.
Ingredients to Cook Millet
To cook millet, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Millet: The star of the dish, millet is a gluten-free, whole grain that serves as the base for your recipe. I used Foxtail Millet for this recipe.
- Liquid: Water or vegetable broth is the most common choice for the cooking liquid. It helps the millet absorb moisture and become tender.
- Salt: Adding salt is optional but can enhance the flavor of the millet. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Fat: Butter, oil, or ghee can be added for extra flavor and to prevent the millet from sticking to the pot. Again, this is optional.
These basic ingredients can be combined and prepared in various ways to create a wide range of millet dishes, from simple side dishes to more elaborate recipes.
How to Cook Millet
Cooking millet is quite straightforward, and it can be prepared in a similar way to rice or quinoa. Millet is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that's rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Here's a basic method for cooking millet using Instant Pot, Stovetop, and Instant Pot PIP (Pot-in-Pot) method:
Prep Millet
- Rinse the Millet: Place the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. This helps remove any bitter compounds and excess starch.
- Place in a Bowl: Transfer the rinsed millet to a bowl and cover it with enough water. The water should be at least an inch above the millet.
- Soak Time: Allow the millet to soak for at least 30 minutes. Soaking make the millet more tender and reduce cooking time.
- Drain: After soaking, drain the millet using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess water. It's important to ensure that it's well-drained before cooking.
- Cook: Proceed with the cooking instructions, whether you're using a stovetop or an Instant Pot.
How to Cook Millet on the Stove
- Toast the Millet (Optional): To enhance the flavor of the millet, you can toast it before cooking. Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of ghee or oil and the rinsed millet. Stir constantly for a few minutes until it starts to release a nutty aroma and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Combine with Liquid: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed or toasted millet with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. If desired, add salt for extra flavor. Stir well.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The millet will absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Fluff with a Fork: After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the millet, separating the grains.
- Serve: Your cooked millet is now ready to serve. You can use it as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for various dishes.
Millet has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a light, fluffy texture when cooked. You can customize it by adding herbs, spices, or vegetables to create different flavor profiles. Enjoy your cooked millet as a healthy and versatile grain option in your meals!

How to Cook Millet in Instant Pot
- Saute (Optional): To enhance the flavor of the millet, you can use the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a teaspoon of ghee or oil and the rinsed millet. Stir constantly for a few minutes until it starts to release a nutty aroma and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Combine with Liquid: Add the rinsed or toasted millet to the Instant Pot. Pour in 1.75 cups of water or vegetable broth. If desired, add salt and any seasonings for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 4 minutes at low pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, you can carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff with a Fork: After releasing pressure, open the lid, and use a fork to fluff the millet, separating the grains.
- Serve: Your cooked millet is now ready to serve. Use it as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for various dishes.
Using an Instant Pot for millet can save you time and effort, as it cooks the grain quickly and evenly. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer a slightly different texture, but 4 minutes at low pressure with a 10-minute natural release is a good starting point. Enjoy your Instant Pot millet!
Using Instant Pot PIP (Pot-in-Pot) Method
Here's the "pot-in-pot" (PIP) method:
- Rinse millet and place it in a heatproof container with water or broth. If desired, add salt and ghee or oil for extra flavor. Stir well.
- Put water in the Instant Pot, insert a trivet, and place the container on the trivet.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 4 minutes at low pressure.
- Natural release, remove the container, fluff the millet, and serve.
Storage
To store cooked millet, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked millet in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Tips
Here are some tips for cooking and storing millet:
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse millet under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness or excess starch.
- Toasting (Optional): Toasting millet before cooking can enhance its flavor.
- Proper Ratio: The typical ratio for cooking millet is 1:2 (1 cup millet to 2 cups liquid).
- Seasoning: Don't forget to season with salt and consider adding ghee, butter, oil, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Instant Pot PIP: If using the Instant Pot, try the "pot-in-pot" method for convenience and to prevent sticking.
- Fluff After Cooking: After cooking, fluff the millet with a fork to separate the grains for a light, fluffy texture.
- Storage: Store cooked millet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Versatility: Millet can be used in various dishes, from side dishes to salads, and even as a breakfast porridge.
FAQ's
No, millet doesn't typically need to be soaked before cooking, unlike some other grains. Simply rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness and excess starch before cooking.
Millet usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook once it's brought to a boil and then simmered. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the specific type of millet, whether the millet have been soaked, and your desired level of tenderness, so it's a good idea to taste it as it cooks to achieve your preferred texture.
The best way to eat millet depends on personal preference, but it's commonly used as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for stews and curries. A millet can also be turned into a breakfast porridge, used in baked goods, or even cooked as a pilaf with various herbs and vegetables for added flavor.
Mushy millet can occur if it's overcooked or if there's an excessive amount of liquid. To prevent this, ensure you use the correct ratio of millet to liquid, and be mindful of the cooking time to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Serve Millet With
How to Cook Millet (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet; Foxtail or Little Millet
- 1 ¾ - 2 cups water or vegetable broth for added flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- 1 teaspoon ghee or oil optional, for added flavor
Instructions
Prep Millet
- Place the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. This helps remove any bitter compounds and excess starch.
- Transfer the rinsed millet to a bowl and cover it with enough water. The water should be at least an inch above the millet.
- Allow the millet to soak for at least 30 minutes. Soaking make the millet more tender and reduce cooking time.
- After soaking, drain the millet using a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess water. It's important to ensure that it's well-drained before cooking.
- Proceed with the cooking instructions, whether you're using a stovetop or an Instant Pot.
How to Cook Millet on the Stove
- Toast the Millet (Optional): To enhance the flavor of the millet, you can toast it before cooking. Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of ghee or oil and the rinsed millet. Stir constantly for a few minutes until it starts to release a nutty aroma and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
- In a saucepan, combine the rinsed or toasted millet with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. If desired, add salt for extra flavor. Stir well.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The millet will absorb the liquid and become tender.
- After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the millet, separating the grains.
How to Cook Millet in Instant Pot
- Saute (Optional): To enhance the flavor of the millet, you can use the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a teaspoon of ghee or oil and the rinsed millet. Stir constantly for a few minutes until it starts to release a nutty aroma and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the rinsed or toasted millet to the Instant Pot. Pour in 1.75 cups of water or vegetable broth. If desired, add salt and any seasonings for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 4 minutes at low pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, you can carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- After releasing pressure, open the lid, and use a fork to fluff the millet, separating the grains.
Using Instant Pot PIP (Pot-in-Pot) Method
- Here's the "pot-in-pot" (PIP) method:
- Rinse millet and place it in a heatproof container with water or broth. If desired, add salt and ghee or oil for extra flavor. Stir well.
- Put water in the Instant Pot, insert a trivet, and place the container on the trivet.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function. Set the timer for 4 minutes at low pressure.
- Natural release, remove the container, fluff the millet, and serve.
Serve Millet
- Your cooked millet is now ready to serve. Use it as a side dish, in salads, or as a base for various dishes.
Notes
- Tips on How to Cook Millet Perfect
- FAQ's
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