Millet and Black Bean

This dish can be a meal with some bread and vino or a great side as well. Millet is an under used grain in my opinion, at least here it the states. It is a staple in Africa and Asia (southern if I remember correctly). It can grow in some of the worst condition, where most others would wither and die. It s a small round seed, that comes from a variety of grasses. High in many vitamins, great source of protein (about 1/10 of the grain is protein, gluten free, grows quickly compared others can harvest within about 3 months of planting, which can mean about at least 2 crops if not 3-4.

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Make sure to get some Cayuga Pure Organic beans, (http://www.cporganics.com) over in the fingers lake region, they have some great beans, which is a great way to keep in at least NY state.


1 c millet
2 c water (Vegetable stock or even chicken if you like)
1 c chopped dried fruit and nuts (cranberry papaya, fig, currants. pineapple really what ever you like) I used papaya, cranberry and almonds. (I think, Brazil nuts would be wonderful in this, but again whatever is you fav)
2 c cooked black beans
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. olive oil
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
handful of nuts



In a stainless steel pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add in the millet, stir to coat. Cook for 3-5 minutes stirring, until it just turns golden and smells nutty. Pour in water (stock) bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and millet is al dente.

Toss in the beans, fruit./nuts, season with salt and pepper, return to low heat, stir to heat through. Plate and sprinkle with extra nuts.


We had leftovers, so as a side dish, I browned about 4 tbsp. butter, add a 1/2 tbsp. of **berbere powder cooked the beans/millet until is was slightly caramelized and crispy, Served along side a roasted pork belly....

Berbere Powder:

You will see I use this a few times! Don't forget to check out Little Falls co-op for these spices!!

2 tbsp. paprika
1 1/2  tbsp. ground cardamom (the co-op has the seed, just grind them yourself in a coffee grinder, just don't use it for coffee!!)
1 1/2 tbsp. ground coriander
1 tbsp. ground fenugreek (co-op carries the seed!!)
1 tbsp. ground allspice
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tbsp. ground turmeric
1 tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp. kosher or sea salt
3 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp. ground cloves