Learn how to cook a perfectly fluffy, nonsticky foxtail millet recipe every time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. I have shared both cooking directly in the inner pot and pot-in-pot method. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Millets are highly nutritious, and I have been trying to include more millets in my diet. You can use them to make various dishes like upma, khichdi, pongal, pulao, and dosa as a rice substitute.
I used Foxtail millet to cook in the Instant Pot without pre-soaking it. It comes out fluffy and perfect every time when cooked in an electric pressure cooker.
Here are some more Indian Millet Recipes you might enjoy:
- Little Millet Upma
- Bajra (Pearl Millet) Khichdi
- Little Millet Lemon Rice
- Kodo Millet Pulao
- Ragi Malt
- Millet Salad
- Millet Curd Rice
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Ingredients
You will need only two main ingredients to cook millets.
- Millets - I used Foxtail millets in this recipe. You can use any variety. Millets are readily available in local grocery stores and on Amazon.
- Water - Use plain water in this recipe. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth to make it more flavorful (adjust salt in this case).
- Salt - Optional. You can add a little salt to season.
How to Cook Millets in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Rinse the millets 2-3 times until the water runs clear to remove any dirt, and then drain the excess water.
Note: This is a no-soak method, and millet always turns out soft, fluffy, and separated.
In the Instant Pot, add rinsed millet, water, and salt (optional). Give a quick stir.
Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 10 minutes.
When the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
Open the lid, use a fork or ladle to fluff up the millets, and serve hot with the curry or sambar of your choice.
Note: 1 cup of dried millet yields 3.5 to 4 cups of cooked millet.
How to Cook Pot-in-Pot Millets
- In a small stainless steel container (or Pyrex glass bowl), add 1 cup of rinsed millet and 2 cups of water.
- Add 1 cup of water to the 6 quart inner pot.
- Place a trivet on the inner pot.
- Then, place a small container with millet and water on the trivet and cover it with a lid. Follow the remaining recipe instructions.
Millet to Water Ratio & Cooking Times
| Millet | Millet to water ratio | Cooking time |
| UnSoaked | 1 cup millet: 2 cups of water | 10 minutes high pressure |
| Soaked (30 minutes) | 1 cup millet: 1.75 cups of water | 8 minutes high pressure |
| Soaked (Overnight) | 1 cup millet: 1.50 cups of water | 6 minutes high pressure |
Serving Suggestions
You can serve millets with Indian curries, dal, or sambar. You can use cooked millet in making dishes like millet curd rice, and millet fried rice.
How to Store Cooked Millets?
- Store:Â Store cooked millets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze:Â Freeze the leftover millets in a freezer-safe ziplock or storage container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat:Â Sprinkle some water and reheat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes till done. If frozen, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat it on the microwave oven or stovetop to get steamy fresh millets.
Tips to Make Perfect Millets in Instant Pot
- Rinsing the Millets: Always rinse the dried millet before you cook it to remove any dirt or debris.
- Soaking MiIlets: Soaking the millet for a few hours or overnight before cooking aids in better digestion.
- Water: Millet Ratio: The water-to-millet ratio for cooking millets in the Instant Pot is 1 ¾-2 cups of water for 1 cup of millets. If cooking in a stovetop pot, pressure cooker, or rice cooker, add 2 cups of water for 1 cup of millet.
- Fluff: Gently fluff the millets with a fork or ladle. Do not stir.
- Scaling: You can double or triple the recipe to cook more millets. The cooking time will remain the same.
More Instant Pot Basic Recipes
- Instant Pot Brown Basmati Rice
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Sona Masoori Rice
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Instant Pot Quinoa
- Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables
- Instant Pot Calrose Rice
Instant Pot Millets
Ingredients
- 1 cup Foxtail millet
- 2 cups water (or vegetable broth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
Instant Pot Method:
- Rinse the millets 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes dirt), and drain the remaining water.
- Note: This is a no-soak method, and millet always turns out soft, fluffy, and separated.In the Instant Pot, add rinsed millets, water, and salt (optional). Give a quick stir.
- Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 10 minutes.When the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
- Open the lid, use a fork or ladle to fluff up the millets, and serve hot with the curry or sambar of your choice.Note:Â 1 cup of dried millet yields 3.5 to 4 cups of cooked millet.
How to Cook Pot-in-Pot Millets
- In a small stainless steel container (or Pyrex glass bowl), add 1 cup of rinsed millet and 2 cups of water.
- Add 1 cup of water to the 6qt inner pot.
- Place a trivet on the inner pot.
- Then, place a small container with millet and water on the trivet and cover it with a lid. Follow the remaining recipe instructions.
Nutrition
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