What Is Millet? How to Cook It and Use It

Millet is a small grain with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. You can cook it until light and fluffy for a savoury side dish or make it softer for a warm breakfast bowl. If you have seen millet in the grains aisle but wondered what to do with it, the good news is that it is straightforward to prepare. 

Here is what millet is, how to cook it and a few easy ways to add it to your meals. 

What is millet? 

“Millet” refers to a group of small grains used in cooking around the world. The millet you will commonly find for home cooking is hulled millet. Hulled means the tough, inedible outer husk has been removed, leaving the grain ready to cook. 

Honest to Goodness Organic Hulled Millet does not need overnight soaking. Once cooked, it can be used in place of rice or quinoa in many bowls, salads and side dishes.  

What does millet taste like? 

Millet has a gentle, slightly sweet flavour that takes on the flavours of whatever you serve with it. Add herbs and a savoury dressing for lunch or pair it with cinnamon and fruit at breakfast. 

Its texture depends on how you cook it. With less liquid and minimal stirring, the grains can be fluffy and separate. With more liquid, millet becomes softer and can be served like porridge. 

How to cook millet 

For fluffy millet to serve as a side dish, start with this simple method: 

You will need: 

• 1 cup hulled millet 
• 2 cups water 
• A pinch of salt, optional 

Method: 

1. Rinse the millet in a fine sieve under cool water. 
2. Place the millet and water in a saucepan. Add the salt, if using. 
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. 
4. Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the water has been absorbed and the millet is tender. 
5. Turn off the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. 

If the grains are still firm when the water has been absorbed, add a small splash of water and cook for a few minutes longer. For a softer breakfast bowl, use a little more liquid and stir occasionally as it cooks. 

What can you use millet for? 

One batch of cooked millet can work across several meals: 

• As a side dish: Serve it with roasted vegetables, a curry or a stew. 
• In a grain bowl: Add greens, chickpeas, crunchy vegetables and your favourite dressing. 
• In a salad: Cool the cooked millet, then toss it with herbs, cucumber and a lemon dressing. 
• For breakfast: Cook it until soft and top with fruit, yoghurt, nuts or cinnamon. 
• In baking: Hulled millet can be ground into flour, although the amount you can substitute depends on the recipe.  

Also try this recipe:  Polenta of Millet & Amaranth with Pumpkin, Sage & Garlic 

Millet FAQs 

• Is millet a grain or a seed? 
  Millet is generally described and used as a grain. In the kitchen, you can cook it much like other small grains and serve it in sweet or savoury dishes. 
• Is millet the same as quinoa? 
  No. They are different foods, but both can be used as a base for grain bowls, salads and side dishes. Millet has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that works particularly well with dressings and sauces. 
• Do you need to soak millet before cooking? 
  You do not need to soak Honest to Goodness hulled millet overnight. Rinse it, then cook it in water until tender.  
• Can you eat millet for breakfast?
  Yes. Add extra liquid while cooking for a softer texture, then serve it warm with your preferred breakfast toppings. 
• Ready to give millet a try?
  Start with a simple side dish or breakfast bowl, then experiment with the flavours you enjoy. Explore Honest to Goodness Organic Hulled Millet and make it your own.