What is Millet, How To Cook Millet Seeds, and How To Use Millet Flour

If you’ve ever purchased bird seed mixes then you’ve certainly noticed a tiny yellow seed mixed in. This is millet, and it isn’t just bird food, it’s a delicious seed humans can also enjoy. Technically speaking millet is “…a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for both human food and fodder…Millets are important crops in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India, Nigeria, and Niger), with 97% of millet production in developing countries.”

I am personally a big fan of millet. It is so versatile, inexpensive compared to many other grains, and it’s healthy too. Today I’d like to share some facts about millet and flour, as well as great recipe ideas too.

• Millet grains may be cooked and eaten as porridge or as you would rice or any other grains.

• Because millet is not wheat it contains no gluten. This makes it ideal for those following a gluten-free diet.

• Millet can even be ground into flour — which is perfect for gluten free baking. But again since it doesn’t contain gluten the millet flour will have to be mixed with other flours or starches to help bind it together.

• The tiny seeds have a low glycemic index making them excellent for diabetics, hypoglycemics as well as anyone looking to keep their blood sugar balanced.

• It naturally contains serotonin which can help balance your mood, appetite, digestion, and sleep.

• Millet is high in protein therefore making it a great addition to a vegetarian’s diet.

• Millet is rich in magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, copper and other nutrients. Additionally this makes millet great for your heart, lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, and prevent gallstones.

• These tiny little seeds are loaded with fiber, calcium and zinc.

Millet Seeds Recipe Links:

• How To Cook Perfect Millet Every Time by The Kitchn

• Turmeric and Vegetable Millet: Gluten Free Side Dish by Spicie Foodie

• Creamy Butternut Chickpea Millet by Produce On Parade

• Pumpkin Pie Millet Porridge by Naturally Ella

• Vegetarian Greek Stuffed Peppers via NoshOn.It

• Garlicky Spinach, Millet, and Eggs by Naturally Ella

• Spiced Millet and Chickpea Burgers by Delicious Everyday

• Millet Tabbouleh (Gluten-Free and Vegan) by Beard + Bonnet

• Banana Millet Muffins by Recipe.com

Millet Flour Recipe Links:

• Gluten Free Millet Sandwich Bread by The Baking Beauties

• Gluten Free Crepes by Tartelette

• Buttermilk Pancakes {Gluten-free} by My Gluten Free Kitchen

• Flaky All-Butter Gluten-Free Pie Dough by The Bojon Gourmet

• Luscious Lemon, Almond Flour and Olive Oil Cake by Food52

• Bajra Roti or Bajra Bhakri Recipe Veg Recipes of India

• Gluten-Free Pierogi by Celiac Teen

• Personal-size Strawberry Chiffon Layer Cakes by A Sage Amalgam

• Gluten Free Soft Pretzels (or Pretzel Buns!) by Recreating Happiness