How to Cook Millet

Isabella Cannon

| 2 min read

Millet is a cereal grain grown and eaten throughout Africa and Asia. Millet is naturally gluten-free, a good source of protein and rich in iron, vitamin B and calcium.
Raw millet has an appearance like birdseed and a mild corn flavor once cooked. Many people around the world enjoy millet and incorporate it as a staple in their breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is popular in dishes such as stir-fries, bowls, salads and cakes.

How to cook millet on the stovetop

Total Time:

30 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw millet

  • 2 cups water or broth

  • 1⁄4 tsp. salt, if desired 

  • 1 Tbsp. oil or butter, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Place the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water. This helps remove any bitter compounds and excess starch. While this step is optional, it can also help remove any dust or particles.

  • Step 2

    Add millet and water or broth to a pot and bring to a boil. For every 1 cup of raw millet, add 2 cups of water or broth to your pot. Put the pot on medium-high heat until it reaches a boiling. Salt the water according to personal preference and health needs.

  • Step 3

    After the water begins to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The millet should be done when the majority of the liquid is absorbed. Stir every few minutes to prevent clumping.

  • Step 4

    Turn off the heat, uncover and fluff the millet with a fork. Then, cover the pot and let the millet sit for an additional 10 minutes before serving. This allows the grains to absorb any remaining water and have a fluffy consistency.

  • Step 5

    If you like, you can mix 1 tablespoon of oil or butter and add salt to taste according to health needs and preferences. Serve as is or add to another dish.

How to store millet after cooking

Cooked millet can be kept for up to five days in the refrigerator. Store millet in a clean, airtight container to protect it from the moisture and odors present in a fridge. You can check if millet has spoiled by seeing if there is a change in texture or a bad odor. If the millet has become overly mushy or has a noticeable change in smell, it may have spoiled.
Freezing millet, either cooked or uncooked, can prolong its longevity. Store the millet in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen millet can last for three to four months without losing its quality.
An uncooked millet's shelf life is around two years when kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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