My Favorite Instant Pot Millet Recipe
As a busy professional, I understand how hard it is to create healthy meals. My quick pot changed my life! I can cook a healthy, tasty supper in minutes.
I adore this instant pot millet recipe’s versatility. It goes with roasted veggies, grain bowls, and salads. It’s also fantastic for meal prep—I can prepare a huge batch at the start of the week and use it for lunches and evenings.
But enough about me—let me tell you about a friend who tried this instant pot millet recipe for the first time. She’s a “non-cook” and was intimidated by the quick pot. After little encouragement, she tried it and was amazed at how easy it was! She couldn’t believe something so tasty was so easy to create.
How to Make Millet in an Instant Pot
I find that cooking using a variety of grains yields the most interesting and satisfying results.
Millet, a gluten-free grain high in protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals, is one of my faves.
You may use millet in everything from sweet breakfast porridge to savory pilafs because of its adaptability. Here is my go-to method for cooking millet in an instant pot.
Instant Pot Millet Ingredients
- 1 cup of millet
- 2 cups of water or broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Millet
The first step in making millet is to rinse it thoroughly. Millet has a natural coating called saponin that can cause it to taste bitter if not removed.
To rinse the millet, simply place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for a minute or two.
Step 2: Saute the Millet
Once the millet is rinsed, it’s time to saute it in the instant pot. This step adds extra flavor and helps to toast the millet, giving it a nutty flavor.
To saute the millet, turn on the saute function on your instant pot and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the rinsed millet and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook the millet for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to turn golden brown.
Step 3: Add Water or Broth
After sauteing the millet, it’s time to add the liquid. For this recipe, I recommend using 2 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of millet.
Adding broth instead of water will give the millet even more flavor. Once you’ve added the liquid, give everything a quick stir to combine.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Millet
Now it’s time to pressure cook the millet. Put the lid on the instant pot, making sure the valve is set to “sealing”. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting, and set the timer for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Finally, it’s time to fluff the millet and serve it up. Use a fork to fluff the millet, and season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve the millet as a side dish or use it as a base for a grain bowl or salad.
Instant Pot Millet FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of millet in the instant pot?
Yes, you can use a variety of grains in the instant pot, including quinoa, rice, and barley. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth instead of water will add extra flavor to the millet.
My millet came out crunchy, not fluffy. What can I do?
To achieve a fluffy texture, you may need to add more water, increase the cooking time, or try a combination of both. It’s also important to note that this issue is not unique to millet but can occur with other grains and legumes in the Instant Pot as well.
Can I cook millet without sauteing it first?
Yes, you can skip the sauteing step if you prefer. However, sauteing the millet adds extra flavor and helps to toast the grains, giving them a nutty flavor.
Can I use the instant pot for meal prep?
Yes, you can easily make a big batch of millet in the instant pot and use it for meal prep throughout the week. Simply store the cooked millet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do I include the time it takes for my pressure cooker to reach high heat in the 10 minutes of cooking time for the millet?
No, the time it takes for your pressure cooker to reach high heat is not included in the 10-minute cooking time for the millet. You’ll need to factor in the time it takes for your pressure cooker to heat up before starting the cooking process.
How can I prevent my millet from coming out gummy and sticky in my Instant Pot?
One solution to this problem could be to try a different variety of millet. Some users have found that using Foxtail millet or other varieties purchased from an Indian grocery store results in a fluffier texture. Additionally, rinsing the millet thoroughly until the water runs clear before cooking may help.
My millet stuck to the bottom of my Instant Pot and didn’t come out fluffy. What did I do wrong?
To prevent millet from sticking to the bottom of your Instant Pot, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil before cooking. However, if this still doesn’t result in a fluffy texture, you may be overcooking the millet. Some users suggest trying steaming the millet instead of pressure cooking. It may also be helpful to soak the millet for several hours before cooking.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Millet
- Rinse the millet thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter-tasting saponin.
- Saute the millet before pressure cooking it to add extra flavor and texture.
- Use broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff the millet with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
How do I Serve Millet
I like serving this quick pot millet with roasted vegetables. Roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and red bell peppers on fluffy millet. The sweet-savory combo is wonderful.
I also use millet in grain bowls. I’ll add roasted or sautéed veggies, grilled chicken or tofu, and avocado for healthy fats. It’s a hearty lunch or dinner.
Finally, I adore topping salads with millet. I’ll make a simple salad with greens, chopped vegetables, and a dressing. It enhances a bland salad.
Instant Pot Millet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of millet
- 2 cups of water or broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Millet
- The first step in making millet is to rinse it thoroughly. Millet has a natural coating called saponin that can cause it to taste bitter if not removed. To rinse the millet, simply place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for a minute or two.
Step 2: Saute the Millet
- Once the millet is rinsed, it's time to saute it in the instant pot. This step adds extra flavor and helps to toast the millet, giving it a nutty flavor. To saute the millet, turn on the saute function on your instant pot and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the rinsed millet and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook the millet for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to turn golden brown.
Step 3: Add Water or Broth
- After sauteing the millet, it’s time to add the liquid. For this recipe, I recommend using 2 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of millet. Adding broth instead of water will give the millet even more flavor. Once you’ve added the liquid, give everything a quick stir to combine.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Millet
- Now it's time to pressure cook the millet. Put the lid on the instant pot, making sure the valve is set to "sealing". Select the "manual" or "pressure cook" setting, and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
- Finally, it’s time to fluff the millet and serve it up. Use a fork to fluff the millet, and season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve the millet as a side dish or use it as a base for a grain bowl or salad.
