A quick & easy whole grain side dish that packs in the flavor! An African Spiced Carrot Millet recipe that’s gluten-free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-free. Fluffy millet with carrot puree, carrot greens, cilantro, and fragrant savory African spices!
A whole grain that I’ve always loved is millet. Soft and fluffy, with a slight nutty bite when you toast it in a dry pan before boiling. Its gluten-free heartiness is satisfying to say the least. As a blank slate, it’s perfect for really dressing up with flavor and serving as a perfect side dish. I remember being so excited about this recipe, in love with it, and then…never posted it here for y’all! We’re ending the madness right now!
I think one of my favorite things about cooking is playing with a combination of spices and herbs. Spices can either elevate a dish or make it a sad mess. There’s an art to proper seasoning, not only per cuisine, but general taste and satisfaction. When cooks say “a dash of this”, a pinch of that”, that’s really what we mean. I measure spices and herbs by eye and generally know by now, what 1/2 a teaspoon looks like.
Since cooking has become my job, I do end up measuring more accurately when I know I’ll be presenting a specifically spiced dish to you. I know not everyone is as confident in the kitchen and timid around flavor. But have no fear! I’ll always guide you in the right direction and the more your cook and play around in the kitchen, the more confidence you gain and risks you’ll end up taking!
As I’m typing up this post, I’m cooking at the same time (a delicious recipe that has my mouth watering!) The seasoning is the most important part of the dish and once I figured out the essential spices and herbs needed, the amounts needed to be figured out, but more as a ratio than an exact science. That’s the thing with a recipe. You can season to your preferences as long as you keep the essential spices and herbs intact. If something calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, you can reduce that to 1/2, even 1/4 if garlic bothers you. YOU, have control!
As for this African Spiced Carrot Millet, the spices are essential for that “African-inspired” taste! We have the typical garlic, onion, but also cumin, paprika, coriander, cilantro, and a hefty dose of beautifully golden turmeric (always more for color than taste in cooking!) These spices work so well with this iconic grain of African (millet) and the subtle sweet flavor of carrots! I fell in love with the color first and foremost in this carrot millet. The color comes from the carrot puree, but also that golden yellow turmeric; both create such a lovely orange color! It’s super moist and fluffy with the puree and cooked millet. If I had added some nooch, we could have had a “mac & cheese” type dish! Don’t worry though, this is a savory millet dish, no “cheeze” in sight, but packed with hidden veggies all the same 😉
African Spiced Carrot Millet
- 1 Cup Whole Millet
- ½ Cup Carrot Puree
- ¼ Cup Raw Grated Carrot
- 1 TB Chopped Carrot Top Greens
- 1 TB Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Tsp Turmeric
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Cumin
- ½ Tsp Sweet Paprika
- ¼ Tsp Coriander
- A Squirt of Fresh Lemon Juice
- Toast the millet in a small pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until slightly golden brown.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the toasted millet. Cover the pot and cook on low for about 20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the millet is fluffy.
- Now add all the rest of the ingredients to the cooked millet and mix well to combine.
- Serve with extra cilantro or carrot top greens to garnish.
A pretty quick and easy, hands-off side dish you can whip up on any weeknight, but still experience some elevated flavors! Gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, no sugar or oil, just whole grain goodness with a veggie-packed carrot punch! All that’s left is for you to get in the kitchen and dive into that spice cabinet!
So tell me:
+ Are you confident with your seasoning abilities or do you like exact measurements?
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“A pinch of this, dash of that” sounds exactly like how I’ve always cooked. It makes things ever so interesting when I’m trying to go back and write a recipe. “Until it smells right” doesn’t cut the mustard, LOL! I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never tried millet, but that’s going to change—pronto. This would make a delightful side dish as well. I’m excited to try it!
Awesome, well I hope you enjoy some soon!
This sound delicious and perfect for a mid week meal X
Great for a lunch!
This recipe sound totally gorgeous. Will have to try this out
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Great! Thanks!
Perfect side dish! I love wholegrain-based sides because they keep you fuller for longer.
Certainly nutritious!
I can honestly say I’ve never tried millet! Or if I have, I didn’t know it haha. So this sounds so yummy and a fun new dish to try! By the way, I totally love your writing style. Sometimes, food posts lose me in the writing and I skim over to see photos and the recipe, but I loved reading yours!!
Haha! Well I am so glad to hear (someone) enjoys my random rambles! You never know what I’ll end up talking about in my posts, but I try to make it interesting 😉 xoxo
All the spices in this sound delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever cooked millet, but this looks like an excellent recipe to try first.
Millet is essential for us celiacs!
Love all the unique flavors in this dish!
Thank you! Spices always make the dish!
Thank you for sharing this recipe… I’m vegan and I’m always looking for new recipes to try x
This will be great to add to a dinner!
Different looking dish. Always willing to try new recipes that look and taste delicious.
This will quickly be a new fav!
This dish looks so tasty 🙂 Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Well I hope you get to make it!
Wow! Blown by the simplicity and ease of this dish! Have never used carrot purée before. I am surely going to try this dish.
Stock up on those baby food jars!
Yummy! I have never had or made millet, but it looks like a great addition to my pantry.
It is a wonderful whole grain!
A nice mix and very simple. I’ve got a new packet of Millet calling at me from the cupboard!
Perfect timing then!
Wow. This looks wonderful. Pinned for future reference!
Thanks! Enjoy!