📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ancient comfort of millet, a gluten-free grain that transforms into a creamy, custard-like porridge when pressure cooked to perfection. This recipe elevates the humble grain with aromatic vanilla, warm cinnamon, and a touch of coconut milk for a luxurious mouthfeel. It is a wholesome, nutrient-dense breakfast that provides a steady release of energy to power your morning.
🥗 Ingredients
The Grains
- 1 cup Hulled Millet (rinsed thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve)
Cooking Liquids
- 2 cups Water (filtered)
- 1 cup Full-fat Coconut Milk (canned, shaken well before measuring)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (plus more for adjusting consistency after cooking)
Flavorings & Sweeteners
- 3 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (or honey for non-vegans)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (optional, for a vibrant golden hue)
Fresh & Crunchy Toppings
- 1/2 cup Fresh Blueberries
- 1/4 cup Toasted Toasted Walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts (for added protein)
- 1 piece Sliced Banana (ripe)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 1-2 minutes, swirling with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes any bitter saponins from the hull.
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2
Optional but recommended: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the damp millet to the dry inner pot and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and a few grains start to pop.
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3
Press 'Cancel' to stop the sauté function. Add the 2 cups of water, 1 cup of coconut milk, and 1 cup of almond milk to the pot.
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4
Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, sea salt, and turmeric, ensuring no grains are stuck to the sides of the pot.
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5
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the 'Sealing' position.
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6
Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on High Pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes.
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7
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR) for 10 minutes. This 'carry-over' cooking time is essential for the millet to absorb the remaining liquid and soften completely.
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8
After 10 minutes, carefully turn the steam release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
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9
Open the lid and give the porridge a vigorous stir. It may look a bit liquid at first, but it will thicken significantly as you stir and as it cools slightly.
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10
If the porridge is too thick for your preference, splash in a little extra almond milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
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11
Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary, adding another drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
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12
Ladle the warm porridge into deep bowls. Top with fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, toasted walnuts, and a sprinkle of hemp hearts.
💡 Chef's Tips
Toasting the millet before adding liquid is the secret to a complex, nutty flavor profile. Always use a 4:1 liquid-to-grain ratio for a creamy porridge; for a fluffier, rice-like texture, reduce liquid to 2 cups. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge; the porridge will set like a cake, so simply reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it back up. Avoid using the 'Keep Warm' setting for too long, as it can cause the bottom of the porridge to scorch or become overly gummy. For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax meal right after opening the lid.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy Matcha latte to complement the nutty notes. Serve alongside a soft-boiled egg if you enjoy a sweet-and-savory breakfast balance. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream on top for added tang and richness. Drizzle with a spoonful of almond butter or tahini for a dose of healthy fats and extra creaminess.