Recipe: Carters' Millet

Recipe Source: Chamberlain, Lesley.  Russion, German & Polish Food & Cooking.  Anness Publishing, London, 2006 p. 68

I've been trying to explore different grains lately.  Regular wheat bread is all well and good - actually, very good, when done right - and I've always had a strong preference for white rice.  Unfortunately, the nutritional content of both is kind of ... well, low.  They've got calories.  That's about it, especially for the rice.  I've never learned to enjoy brown rice, possibly because I never manage to cook it right.  So I've been trying to find some different grains that have more nutritional value.  I came across some millet in the market the other day, and decided that I would try it. 

Unfortunately, when I made this dish, I had already used up the bacon it called for.  Rather than go back out to the store - something I always try to avoid if possible - I decided to make it a vegetarian Carters' Millet.  I can't see why a carter shouldn't be a vegetarian, after all.  I made up for the lost fat by using butter.  I also omitted the mint, since my husband is allergic to mint.  The result was a tasty if mild side dish.  For all involved - cook as well as guests - this was the first exposure to millet, but I'm certain it won't be the last. 

Carters' Millet (serves 5; approx. $0.81/serving)

1 1/4 cups millet

2 1/2 cups water

4 ounces butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

3 cups Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Saucepan with a lid
• Frying pan

1. Put the millet in the saucepan with the water.  Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, covered, 30 minutes.
3. In the frying pan, melt the butter with the olive oil.
4. Add the onion and mushrooms.  Cook until the onions are beginning to brown and the mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the contents of the frying pan to the millet.  Season to taste.  Re-heat gently before serving, if it's gotten cold. 

Comments

[nora@ffr]

Great recipe & pictures...looks beautiful & so tempting :)