Our Millet Porridge is rich and creamy and made with coconut milk. This recipe combines the nutty goodness of millet with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk for a breakfast that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re a porridge aficionado or just craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this vegan and gluten-free option will hit the spot.
With its creamy texture and natural flavors, this millet porridge is the perfect way to start your day on a positive note. It’s packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats, giving you the energy you need to conquer whatever lies ahead. So, grab your favorite bowl, put on some cozy socks, and let’s dive into this delightful breakfast treat!
Did you know that millet is technically a seed, not a grain? Despite being classified as a grain due to its grain-like qualities, it falls under the category of ancient grains. These grains have remained largely unchanged for centuries, according to the Whole Grains Council.
When it comes to millet, there’s more to love than just its unique classification. This tiny seed packs a punch in terms of nutritional value. It’s a great source of copper, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, providing a wholesome boost to your diet.
One of the things I personally enjoy about millet is its delightful slight crunch even after cooking. It’s like having a satisfying nutty texture without adding extra calories. Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, I’d recommend throwing in a couple of almonds to enhance the flavor even more. Trust me, it’s a crunchy addition that will make your millet porridge even more delicious!
Table of Contents
Versatility
Millet porridge, a nutritious and versatile dish, can indeed be enjoyed beyond breakfast and be incorporated into various meals throughout the day. It offers a delightful canvas for creative serving suggestions and can be transformed into a satisfying snack or even a delectable dessert. Let’s explore some ideas for mealtime versatility with millet porridge:
Breakfast Boost: Traditionally, millet porridge is a popular breakfast choice, offering a warm and comforting start to the day. Serve it as a base and top it with your favorite fruits such as berries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples. Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added crunch and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also infuse it with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg to enhance the taste.
Hearty Snack: Millet porridge can make a fantastic mid-day snack, providing sustained energy and satiety. Prepare a batch of millet porridge and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, portion it into small cups or bowls and refrigerate. When you’re ready for a snack, grab a serving and top it with a dollop of yogurt, a spoonful of jam or fruit compote, and some granola or toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
Savory Delight: Millet porridge is not limited to sweet preparations. It can be transformed into a savory dish as well. Instead of using sweeteners, cook the millet porridge with vegetable broth for a savory base. Top it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also add cooked beans or lentils for added protein. Sprinkle some grated cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Dessert Indulgence: Millet porridge can be elevated into a delightful dessert option. Sweeten the porridge with a touch of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar while cooking. Once it’s ready, let it cool slightly and serve it warm or chilled. Enhance the dessert experience by adding toppings such as fresh fruit coulis, a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Millet Porridge Bowl: Create a customizable millet porridge bowl that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Prepare a batch of millet porridge as a base. Then set up a variety of toppings in separate bowls, including fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even savory options like avocado, crispy bacon, or fried eggs. Each person can personalize their bowl by adding their preferred toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal experience.
Remember, millet porridge can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, textures, and ingredients to create your own unique combinations. With its versatility, millet porridge can truly be enjoyed throughout the day, offering a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet
- 2 cans coconut milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- dash of salt
How to Make
To begin, gather your ingredients: millet, coconut milk, spices of your choice, and your preferred sweetener, such as syrup or honey. Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the millet: Start by rinsing the millet thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millet with a generous amount of creamy coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the millet is tender. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Season the porridge: As the millet cooks and absorbs the luscious coconut milk, it’s time to add a burst of flavor. Sprinkle in your favorite spices to enhance the taste profile. You can choose from a variety of options, such as ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or a pinch of vanilla extract. Adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preference, aiming for a warm and comforting blend that complements the creamy base.
- Sweeten to taste: Now it’s time to add a touch of sweetness to your porridge. Drizzle in your preferred syrup, honey, or any other natural sweetener you enjoy. Start with a small amount and gradually add more, tasting as you go, until you achieve the desired level of sweetness. Remember, the coconut milk already lends a natural sweetness, so adjust accordingly.
- Serve and savor: Once the millet has cooked to a tender consistency and absorbed all the flavors, your millet porridge is ready to be enjoyed. Spoon the warm and fragrant porridge into bowls, allowing the creamy texture and enticing aroma to entice your senses. Consider topping it off with a sprinkle of nuts, such as almonds or toasted coconut flakes, for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
This wholesome dish makes for a perfect breakfast or snack, keeping you fueled and satisfied throughout the day. So grab a spoon, cozy up, and indulge in this delightful treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
Millet can be prepared like rice or quinoa, boiled, and then fluffed with a fork. To make a creamier product you can add more liquid and stir more often.
FAQ
Yes, millet is gluten-free. It is a naturally gluten-free grain alternative that can be enjoyed by individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. Millet is a safe and nutritious option for those who need to avoid gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It can be used as a versatile ingredient in various recipes, including porridges, pilafs, salads, and baked goods, providing a wholesome and gluten-free alternative.
To cook millet for porridge, rinse the millet grains thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millet with an appropriate amount of liquid, such as water or coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the millet is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Absolutely! Millet porridge serves as a versatile base that can be customized to your taste preferences. You can add a variety of flavors and toppings such as spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom), sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, agave nectar), fruits (berries, sliced bananas), nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds), or a drizzle of coconut milk. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to enhance the taste and texture of your millet porridge.
Yes, millet porridge can be made vegan-friendly. When preparing the porridge, use plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk like this recipe) instead of dairy milk. Additionally, choose vegan toppings and sweeteners to customize your porridge according to your preferences. Millet porridge is a great option for vegans and those following a plant-based lifestyle.
Yes, millet porridge can be cooked in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking grains or porridge in your specific appliance. Generally, the cooking time and liquid ratio may differ slightly from stovetop cooking. Experiment with the settings and recommended cooking times for grains in your rice cooker or Instant Pot to achieve the desired consistency and tenderness for your millet porridge.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
If you’re wondering if you can make this porridge in advance you’ll be happy to know that yes, you can. You can make millet porridge in advance and reheat it later.
After cooking the porridge, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of liquid (water or milk) to loosen the porridge’s consistency.
More Breakfast ideas
Like pumpkin? Try adding a scoop or two of canned pumpkin. This addition turns the porridge into a creamy dish that tastes like pumpkin pie for breakfast!
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Millet Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet
- 2 cans coconut milk ✅
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ✅
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ✅
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- dash of salt
Instructions
- ⭐️Cook the millet: Start by rinsing the millet thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millet with the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the millet is tender. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.1 cup millet, 2 cans coconut milk
- Season the porridge: As the millet cooks and absorbs the coconut milk, it's time to add some flavor. Add the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preference.1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, dash of salt
- Sweeten to taste: Drizzle in the maple syrup. Start with a small amount and gradually add more, tasting as you go, until you achieve the desired level of sweetness. Remember, the coconut milk already lends a natural sweetness. We found 2 tablespoons just the right amount.2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Serve and savor: Once the millet has cooked to a tender consistency and absorbed all the flavors, your millet porridge is ready to be enjoyed. Spoon the warm and fragrant porridge into bowls. Consider topping it off with a sprinkle of nuts, such as almonds or toasted coconut flakes, for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
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Heather Mason says
yum, this looks good. I’ve never really tried millet before either. I like oatmeal, but for some reason it does not agree with my stomach, I will have to try this instead!
Jodi Danen says
Heather, I was impressed with the millet as an oatmeal replacement. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado says
I love the use of millet as a great alternative to oatmeal. I need to try that!
Jodi Danen says
I was thrilled with how it turned out. I hope you enjoy it too Rachel 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
I did a millet porridge as well! Fun! Yours looks really tasty!
Jodi Danen says
Millet is turning into a fun new grain for lots of us Kelly! Yours looks fantastic too:)
ginger hultin says
This looks so good! I bet it is crunchy and creamy all at the same time – I love coconut so I’m definitely trying this 🙂
Jodi Danen says
Ginger, you are so right with the crunch and creamy texture, so yummy.
Karielyn@TheHealthyFamilyandHome says
Hi there Jodi! Millet would have been a good one for me to try too, because I’ve never used it before. I love what you made with it and the clean ingredient list. Very nice! 🙂
Jodi Danen says
Thanks Karielyn! Give it a try- easy and delish 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Millet is one of the grains I have yet to cook, since we have gone to a mostly GF house as well (Dave has a gluten allergy). Hopefully we can try this, sounds awesome!
Jodi Danen says
I would recommend giving it a shot, Sam. Easy to prepare and tasty 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mmmm yes! Love my millet! My mom and I both have celiac, but for awhile there (I’m now 7+ years GF) I was the only one!
Jodi Danen says
I am sure I could learn a ton from you Rebecca! You must have been young when you found out. I can only imagine how hard that had to be. I will certainly be adding millet to my list of tasty, gluten-free grains 🙂
Meal Makeover Mom Janice says
Love that millet is so inexpensive! I need to try this. 🙂
Jodi Danen says
Janice, this is a great added benefit!
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas says
I love the idea of using millet as a porridge. I have had it in salads and patties, but never as a creamy dish. It’s not ideal porridge weather at the moment but will have to remember this when the weather cools down.
Jodi Danen says
I am going to have to try millet in a salad Tania. That sounds like a yummy addition 🙂
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
I’m so inspired to try millet after this month’s ReDux and I love trying new hot whole grains breakfast recipes like this one 🙂
Jodi Danen says
Thanks Deanna! I am happy I finally gave it a try.
Rebecca says
I love millet. It has become probably my biggest go-to since becoming gluten-free, over four years ago. I use it often, along with quinoa, brown rice, and buckwheat, among others. I can still eat oats, and do nearly daily, but love the versatillity of millet for all sorts of things. If you have a coffee/spice grinder or a good food processor, you can also grind it down into a polenta, which I find to be another good variation, especially for morning porridge. My husband is not gluten-free, but when we eat together, everything we make is. We do not keep any gluten-containing flour or pasta in the house, but he’ll still enjoy his whole wheat toast, and sometimes cereal. He absolutely doesn’t mind it, and hasn’t from the beginning of the transition.
Jodi Danen says
Oh, I love your polenta idea Rebecca! I will have to give that a try.
Beth says
This was the most creamy delicious breakfast!
MomInPort says
Four stars after doubling the cinnamon and vanilla and using non-canned coconut milk. The canned coconut milk was too rich. I’ve made this recipe several times with various tweaks, and I think this is the best way, so far. I also toasted the millet first which puffs up the grains and gives it a lighter texture. Definitely toast pecans and coconut to add on top w just a few dried cranberries—delish!! Macca Powder goes great with this for an added boost of energy and hormone balance!
I haven’t tried the pumpkin version, yet. But I definitely will as soon as I have another pumpkin recipe to use the rest of the can on!
Jodi Danen, RDN says
I love the toasting of the millet! Great idea and your version sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing!
MomInPort says
Oops! Just made this again and I think I accidentally halved the coconut milk last time! That was probably the real reason it was fluffy!! It’s great both way, tho!!
Susan says
This is my first time making millet. Love this recipe. Thank you!