Mediterranean Millet Recipe (2024)

By: Amy Katz · Published: · Last modified: · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5 from 3 votes

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You may have heard of this gluten-free grain, but do you know what to do with it? Studded with dried apricots and pistachios, this Mediterranean Millet Recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor. Prepare it in your Instant Pot or on the stove in under 30 minutes!

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (1)
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  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Amy's tip
  • Instructions
  • Serving suggestions
  • Storing
  • More vegan grain recipes
  • 📋 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Millet is a naturally gluten-free ancient grain. It's delicious cold or hot in all sorts of Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Greek Millet Salad and this Mediterranean Millet Recipe.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • It's quick to make on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
  • You only need 6 ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to make it.
  • It works well as a side or a main dish.

Ingredients

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (2)

Millet: Found in packages or in the bulk bin section of most markets. Bob's Red Mill is a popular brand to look for.

You can store uncooked millet in an airtight container on a cool, dry pantry shelf for up to 6 months or in the refrigerator or freezer for up to a year.

Amy's tip

Don't forget to zest the lemon before squeezing the juice.

For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (3)

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Instructions

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (4)
  1. Prepare the millet in an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker or on the stove top. Add the chopped dried apricots, shelled pistachios, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and fresh chopped parsley.
  2. Stir well to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.

Serving suggestions

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (5)

This Mediterranean Millet Recipe is delicious served with a salad or vegetables. Try it with Oven Roasted Chickpeas, Roasted Fall Vegetables, or Grilled Eggplant Salad.

Storing

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy it reheated or at room temperature.

More vegan grain recipes

  • Vegan Greek Millet Salad
  • Orange Millet Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Cilantro Lime Quinoa
  • Vegan Quinoa Burrito Bowls

And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★

📋 Recipe

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (10)

Mediterranean Millet Recipe

Studded with dried apricots and pistachios, this lemony Mediterranean Millet Pilaf is loaded with flavor and simple to make in under 30 minutes.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin

Special diet: gluten-free, soy-free, vegan

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Fusion, Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 308kcal

Author: Amy Katz

Ingredients

  • 1 cup millet
  • cup water
  • ¼ cup dried apricots, (about 8) roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice (See Notes)
  • Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Instant Pot method:

  • Place the millet and water in the Instant Pot and close the lid. Using the pressure cooker function on high, set the timer for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure has released, remove the lid.

Stove top method:

  • Bring 2 cups water to boil in a small pot. Add the millet. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain off any remaining water.

To make the pilaf:

  • Add the apricots, pistachios, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley to the cooked millet. Gently fold the ingredients together to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.

Notes

Don't forget to zest the lemon before squeezing the juice.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy it reheated or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 349mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 955IU | Vitamin C: 24.8mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2.6mg

Nutritional information is an estimation only.

This recipe was originally published 1/24/2019. It was updated to add stove top instructions and improve reader experience.

More Vegan Side Dish Recipes

  • Vegan Pesto Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Green Beans
  • Nut-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese Made with Carrots and Potatoes
  • Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

About Amy

Amy Katz is a vegan recipe developer, photographer, and Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach. She loves sharing delicious plant-based Mediterranean diet recipes that home cooks of all levels can enjoy. Her easy vegan recipes have been featured on HuffPost, LIVESTRONG, Healthline, Parade, VegNews, BuzzFeed, MSN, Greatist, Country Living, Insider, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in Orange County, California with the love of her life, Brad, and their adorable black cat, Ozzy.

Reader Interactions

Comments

All commentsI made this

  1. Edye

    I had never made millet before. Now it’s my favorite “new” grain.
    This recipe was easy, nutritious, and delicious!

    Reply

    • Amy Katz

      Thanks so much, Edye! Not a lot of people know about millet, but it's such a versatile grain!

      Reply

  2. Janet

    I've been wondering what to do with my bag of millet and this sounds GREAT!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Mediterranean Millet Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is millet good for Mediterranean diet? ›

Grains and grain products common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: barley, buckwheat, bulgur, farro, millet, oats, polenta, rice, wheatberries, breads, couscous, and pastas.

Do you have to rinse millet before cooking? ›

It's always a good idea to rinse whole grains before cooking, even if the package states they have been pre-washed. Rinsing millet removes any dust or debris and can reduce the risk of accidental gluten contamination. Rinsing also helps keep the cooked grains separate even as they cook.

Can you eat millet like rice? ›

A lot of people use this like any other grain like rice or quinoa. It can be served with any curry. Foxtail millets are eaten in the ground and whole grain form.

Is millet better for you than quinoa? ›

Quinoa stands out with its complete protein profile, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking plant-based protein sources. On the other hand, millet provides a gluten-free alternative rich in fibre and essential minerals.

Is millet anti-inflammatory? ›

e) Anti-inflammatory properties: millet has anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to chronic inflammation.

Is millet healthier than rice? ›

Millets have more calories, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, fat, minerals, and vitamins than rice. Millets also have lower glycemic index than rice. Millets can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, keep your blood sugar stable, improve your gut health, and prevent cancer.

Which millet tastes like rice? ›

Were you aware of the millet that tastes just like rice, and has some great nutrient value? Let's introduce you to foxtail millets, Healthy can be tasty, and with this re-discovered knowledge of millets we are taking 1 step at a time.

What happens if we eat millet without soaking? ›

Millets must be soaked, introduced gradually to the diet

"The disadvantage is that they contain phytic acid which is an anti-nutrient that could reduce the absorption of other nutrients.

Does millet taste like grits? ›

But even more important, millet tastes good, with a mildly sweet flavor very similar to that of corn or grits. It is also an incredibly versatile food.

How many hours should millet be soaked? ›

Soaking: Millets need to be soaked for a minimum of 6-8 hours before preparation. Soaking helps to increase the nutrient content of the grain and also reduces the cooking time. Portion size: Do not consume any kind of millets in excess.

How long does millet take to cook? ›

To a small saucepan, add millet and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and millet is fluffy. Fluff with a fork, then cover and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Why don't we eat millet? ›

Anti-nutrients: Millets contain certain anti-nutrients like phytic acid and tannins. These compounds can interfere with the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium.

Is millet healthier than oatmeal? ›

It ultimately depends on an individual's dietary needs and preferences. For those looking for sustained energy and a good dose of antioxidants, oats may be the better option. However, for those looking for a low-carb alternative with anti-inflammatory properties, millets may be the way to go.

Is millet gut friendly? ›

Millet contains fiber, which contributes to digestive health and helps to regulate bowel movements. Millet also has prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of probiotics within the microbiome. This is important for gut health and the immune system in general.

What grains are best on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose oats, barley, quinoa or brown rice; Bake or roast red skin potatoes or sweet potatoes; Choose whole grain bread, cereal, couscous and pasta; Limit or avoid refined carbohydrates.

What is not eaten in a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Does millet spike insulin? ›

Millet is lower on the glycemic index (GI) than many other grains. That means it raises your blood sugar slowly and gradually instead of in quick spikes. High-fiber, low-GI foods keep blood sugar steady, lower cholesterol, and help you lose weight.

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