5 ways to use millet in everyday cooking
What's the story
Popular as a staple grain in many African countries, millet is becoming the go-to grain for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, millet makes for an excellent vegetarian dish. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various creative culinary pursuits around the continent. Here are five inventive ways millet is being incorporated into African vegetarian cuisine, beyond traditional uses.
Breakfast delight
Millet porridge with a twist
Millet porridge is a staple breakfast item in Africa. You can easily upgrade this simple dish into a delicious morning meal by adding coconut milk, nuts, and fruits like bananas or mangoes. Spices like cinnamon or cardamom can also be added for taste and added health benefits. This variation makes breakfast more fun and ensures a healthy start to the day.
Bread alternative
Millet-based flatbreads
Flatbreads made from millet flour provide a gluten-free option to regular wheat-based loaves. These flatbreads can be eaten with a range of dips or as wraps for vegetables and legumes. The nutty taste of millet pairs nicely with savory fillings and gives an interesting texture, unlike regular bread options. This innovation is perfect for those looking for healthier bread options without sacrificing on taste.
Fresh & nutritious
Millet salad bowls
Millet makes for a great base for salads because it soaks up flavors from dressings and other ingredients. Mixing cooked millet with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados makes for a refreshing salad bowl rich in nutrients. Tossing in herbs like parsley or mint makes the salad even tastier, while their antioxidant properties give you a health boost.
Hearty meals
Millet stews & soups
Adding millet to stew/soups also thickens it and makes it more nutritious without dominating other flavors of the dish. It goes well with legumes like lentils or chickpea and vegetables like carrot or spinach, making hearty meals ideal for lunch/dinner options during winters when you seek warmth from your food choices.
Dessert innovation
Sweet millet desserts
Millet's versatility even extends into dessert territory, where you can get creative with it along with some sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup) and dried fruits (like raisins, apricots) to whip up deliciously satisfying treats for any occasion. Served warm or cold (depending on preference), they make for an ideal end-of-meal option for those wanting to indulge in something sweet yet healthy simultaneously.