Warm your soul with this deliciously spiced Instant Pot Cranberry Millet Porridge. It's a simple recipe that's a perfect way to make millet porridge without all the fuss and babysitting for traditional millet porridge recipes.
What is millet porridge?
Millet porridge is a hot, creamy cereal made from millet grains. Many people will say that millet grains taste like a nutty quinoa with the texture of couscous. Realistically, it's going to taste mostly like whatever you've cooked it with, kind of like oatmeal.
Isn't Millet Birdseed though?
In the United States, millet is indeed largely associated with birdseed. Which is a pity because it's actually great for humans too. In large parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, people eat millet as a normal part of their diet.
In Hindi, it's referred to as Bajra and Bajra Roti is a very popular, rustic flatbread. It's often considered farmer's food. I like to slather my bajra roti with lots of ghee. Without that, I tend to find it a bit dry and chewy. But I mean, ghee always makes everything better so there's that!
In addition to using it for flatbreads and porridges, it is also used to brew beer and other fermented beverages. Unfortunately for us, I have no idea (yet!) how this is done 🙂 So for now, we will have to content ourselves with this vegetarian millet porridge instead.
Is Millet Gluten-Free?
Indeed it is. In fact, it's often used in many gluten-free baking mixes and flours, so you've likely had it without even realizing it.
What does Millet Taste like?
Millet takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with, making it a great ingredient to cook with. It is also very filling.
I find it be chewy and a little sweet. If you've ever eaten farro, it's a lot like that. (If you haven't eaten farro, you should remedy that with this Instant Pot Farro Risotto recipe.) It is close to brown rice in terms of chew. It has a slightly nutty texture.
It's very versatile. It can be made into flour. You could toast it to enhance the nutty flavor. You could overcook it and mash it like potatoes, etc. Or you could do what I did for this millet porridge, which is cooking it until it has a little chew and isn't entirely soft.
Where Can I Buy Millet?
Here is where I got my millet seeds. But you can also get them in many health food stores.
I would suggest you do not buy birdseed for this recipe 🙂 I am not sure how well cleaned that stuff is. Better to be safe.
What makes this Instant Pot Cranberry Millet Porridge special?
Let's talk about how this tastes. If you like the fruity tang of cranberries, and the spicy warmth of cinnamon, you're going to love this Cranberry Millet Porridge. The heavy whipping cream makes this so creamy and perfect for a chilly morning breakfast.
It is also an incredibly easy vegetarian recipe to make in the Instant Pot. Usually, millet porridge has to be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, with several different steps. This Cranberry Millet Porridge is basically a dump and cook recipe making it much simpler.
Is millet porridge good for breakfast?
It's more than good for breakfast, it's great for breakfast! Millet is incredibly nutrient-dense. It's heavy on protein and fiber, and high in Vitamin-B making it the perfect way to start your day.
How do you make Instant Pot Cranberry Millet Porridge?
- Mix millet, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and water in a 6 x 3 heatproof pan.
- Put 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Place a steamer rack in the Instant Pot. Place the millet pan on the rack.
- Close the lid and select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 15 minutes.
- Allow to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the millet porridge. Add in milk or cream and stir hard to mix everything, and slightly mush up cranberries and millet.
- Serve with additional milk or cream.
Want some more breakfast recipes for your Instant Pot?
- Ham & Pepper Frittata - this one is a reader favorite and makes an awesome hearty breakfast or brunch!
- Pressure Cooker Vietnamese Yogurt - this is the most delicious and foolproof Instant Pot yogurt recipe you'll make!
- Poblano Cheese Frittata - This is another incredible frittata recipe for your IP that's a little more light than the Ham & Pepper version.
Looking for more great Cranberry recipes? Check out my Instant Pot Cranberry Kasha Pilaf!
Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.
Do yourself a favor, and make this Cranberry Millet Porridge sometime soon. It's tangy and delicious and has all the right flavors to make your morning meal delightful! I can't wait for you to try it and tell me what you think.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup millet
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, or raisins
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cups Water, for the millet
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream, or evaporated milk, or milk substitute
- 1 1/2 cups Water, for the Instant Pot
Instructions
- Mix millet, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and water in a 6 x 3 heatproof pan.
- Put 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Place a steamer rack in the Instant Pot. Place the millet pan on the rack.
- Close the lid and select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 15 minutes.
- Allow to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the millet porridge. Add in milk or cream and stir hard to mix everything, and slightly mush up cranberries and millet.
- Serve with additional milk or cream.
- If you are dairy free, you can use a milk alternative like coconut milk, or almond milk.
- If you don't like, or don't want to use cranberries, you can also use raisins.
- Do not add the milk or cream to the Instant Pot before cooking, or you may end up with milk sprayed all over your kitchen, and poorly cooked millet.
Julie
This came across my feed at 2am and I wanted to jump out of bed try it immediately. I love millet and cranberries are my favorite fruit. Can't wait to try it now that its a more civilized time of mornimg.
Cyndi
I wish there were more reviews. I followed the directions exactly and my millet came out as hard little balls, like it didn’t cook at all. I’m so disappointed.