Russian Millet Porridge Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: Crafting the Perfect Millet for Breakfast

Russian Millet Porridge (“Пшённая каша”, “пшёнка”) is a wonderful recipe for breakfast that’s steeped in tradition and filled with homely goodness. Made with milk, this simple yet delightful dish brings comfort to your mornings, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. Serving it is a joy, especially when you see the eager eyes of family members, young and old, ready to dive in. With flexibility at its core, you can easily tailor this porridge to individual tastes. From sweet jams, golden honey, to even a dash of chocolate, the choices are limitless. Perfect for kids, this dish lets their creativity shine, giving them the freedom to pick their favorite toppings. A bowl of this porridge doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates beautiful breakfast memories.

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RUSSIAN MILLET PORRIDGE RECIPE

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Russian Millet Porridge is a traditional breakfast delight made with milk. Perfect for families, its versatile nature allows for various toppings, from jams to chocolate. Kids especially love customizing their bowl, making mornings enjoyable and memorable.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 200 gr of millet
• 400 ml of drinking water
• 400 ml of milk
• 50 gr butter, unsalted
• pinch of salt
• 30-50 gr sugar or sweetener. Sugar amount depends on how sweet you want your porridge to be. Completely optional, can add just a pinch for taste. Especially if serving with other sweet toppings as jam or honey.

Instructions

1. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the millet grains. Place them in a sieve and wash under running water until it runs clear. Transfer the millet into a bowl and cover it with boiling water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the grains to slightly swell. If time allows you, let is soak for up to 30 minutes.
2. Add water and rinsed-soaked millet to the pot, and place it on medium heat. Once it starts boiling, skim off any foam and continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated.
3. Add salt and a bit of sugar to taste to the millet. Pour in 400 ml of milk, and stir thoroughly. The liquid should completely cover the grains. Bring the porridge to a boil over medium heat while stirring.
4. Cover the porridge with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until the porridge thickens and the millet becomes tender.
5. Cover the porridge with a lid and reduce the heat to a minimum. Simmer, stirring frequently, for approximately 20 minutes. The porridge should thicken, and the millet should become tender. Turn off the heat and add a generous piece of butter to the pot.
6. Allow the butter to melt and let the porridge sit covered for about 10 minutes. For a bit of tradition, you can wrap the pot in towels or put it under the warm blanket. Yes, it was a thing in my childhood – the pot with millet porridge had to rest under the blanket for at least half an hour!

Just Simple Recipes: Bites and Bits Essentials for Russian Millet Porridge Recipe

What are the healthy benefits of millet?

Millet is a remarkable grain that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. Bursting with nutrients, it’s a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and B-vitamins. It’s a heart-healthy choice too, due to its fiber content, which can help in reducing cholesterol and promoting good digestion. Furthermore, millet is gluten-free, making it a go-to option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This ancient grain is also known to be an alkaline food, which can help balance the body’s pH levels. Plus, the antioxidants in millet play a role in detoxifying the body. So, not only is millet versatile in the kitchen, fitting into a range of dishes, but it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits.

Having millet porridge for breakfast is a superb choice because it’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering a heart-healthy start to the day while also catering to those with gluten sensitivities.

Why do we need to soak millet before cooking?

Soaking millet before cooking offers a couple of significant advantages. Firstly, pre-soaked grains absorb water more effectively, ensuring the millet cooks evenly and produces a softer, creamier porridge that many find more palatable. Additionally, millet, like several other grains, can sometimes possess a slight bitter undertone. By taking the time to soak the grains, you effectively reduce this bitterness, leading to a tastier final dish. So, if you’re aiming for a perfect bowl of millet porridge, taking those few extra minutes to soak can genuinely elevate your cooking and ensure a delicious and wholesome meal. If you are under tight timing, then even rinsing millet in hot boiling water would benefit it.

How to we store Russian millet porridge?

Making a larger batch of porridge is a smart move, saving you cooking time over the next few days. Russian Millet porridge retains its delightful taste and stays fresh in the fridge for couple of days.

After cooking, allow the porridge to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and store in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the porridge within 2 days for optimal taste. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. For stovetop reheating, place the desired amount in a pot, add a splash of milk or water to keep it from drying out, and warm on low heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, transfer the porridge to a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle some water or milk, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm. Always ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.

What toppings goes delicious with millet porridge?

Millet porridge offers a canvas for delicious toppings. Here are 5 delightful ideas on what to serve with Russian Millet Porridge:

1. Sweet and Simple: Enhance the natural sweetness of the porridge with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sugar.
2. Nutty Delight: For a delightful crunch, top your porridge with a mixture of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
3. Fruit Fusion: A combination of dried fruits, like raisins, apricots, or dates, can add both sweetness and texture.
4. Pumpkin Pleasure: Stir in some cooked pumpkin puree for a rich, hearty flavor and a vibrant splash of color.
5. Cheesy Goodness: Blend in some cottage cheese for a creamy texture, and finish with raisins and nuts for a wholesome bite.