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Steel-Cut Millet
Grains
Nutri-ScoreA

Steel-Cut Millet

Panicum miliaceum

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Steel-Cut Millet provides 119 kcal, 4.2g of protein, 23g of carbohydrates, and 4.5g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Steel-cut millet is a whole grain that is minimally processed, retaining its nutritional integrity. It is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Also known as:
Foxtail millet (USA)Bajra (India)
Scientific NamePanicum miliaceum
Region of OriginChina

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories119 kcal
Water
10%
Fiber4.5g
Total28.2g
Protein
4.2g(15%)
Fats
1g(4%)
Carbohydrates
23g(82%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)1.5 mg (9%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.3 mg (6%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (5%)
Folate18 µg (5%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0 µgVitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.1 mgVitamin K: 0 µgVitamin B12: 0 µgCholine: 0 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium18 mg (2%)
Iron1 mg (6%)
Magnesium30 mg (8%)
Phosphorus90 mg (13%)
Potassium150 mg (4%)
Zinc0.6 mg (4%)
Copper0.1 mg (5%)
Manganese0.5 mg (25%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.2 µg

Health Benefits

Steel-cut millet is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting satiety.
It is rich in essential minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health and metabolic functions.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

To prepare steel-cut millet, rinse it under cold water, then cook it in boiling water or broth for about 20-30 minutes until tender. It can be used in salads, porridge, or as a side dish.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose steel-cut millet that is whole and free from any debris or foreign materials. Look for packaging that is sealed and intact.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer periods.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantAnti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Digestive health
Weight management
Bioactive Compounds
Phenolic acids

Exhibit antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress.

How to Consume
Cooked, Porridge, Salad
Did you know?

"Millet has been cultivated for thousands of years and is one of the oldest grains known to humanity."

Myths vs Realities

MythMillet is only for birds.
RealityMillet is a highly nutritious grain that is consumed by humans in many cultures around the world.
MythAll millets are the same.
RealityThere are various types of millet, each with unique nutritional profiles and culinary uses.
MythSteel-cut millet is hard to cook.
RealitySteel-cut millet is easy to prepare and can be cooked similarly to rice or quinoa.

Healthy Recipes

Savory Steel-Cut Millet Breakfast Bowl

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast bowl featuring steel-cut millet, sautéed spinach, and a poached egg, drizzled with a tangy lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup steel-cut millet
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, add steel-cut millet, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. 3. Poach the egg in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then assemble the bowl with millet, spinach, and the poached egg, drizzling with lemon juice and seasoning with salt and pepper.

Steel-Cut Millet and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful stir-fry of seasonal vegetables and steel-cut millet, tossed in a light soy sauce and sesame dressing for a quick and healthy dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute.
  2. 2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. 3. Stir in cooked millet and soy sauce, mixing well and cooking for an additional 2 minutes before serving.

Millet and Black Bean Salad

A refreshing salad combining steel-cut millet, black beans, corn, and avocado, dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked millet, black beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and salt to create the dressing.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve chilled.

Spiced Millet and Lentil Soup

A hearty and warming soup made with steel-cut millet, lentils, and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup steel-cut millet
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. 2. Add cumin, millet, lentils, and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and millet are tender, seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Millet and Berry Breakfast Parfait

A delightful breakfast parfait layered with creamy yogurt, steel-cut millet, and fresh berries for a nutritious start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
  1. 1. In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, cooked millet, and mixed berries.
  2. 2. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with chia seeds.
  3. 3. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, and serve immediately.

Millet and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of steel-cut millet, vegetables, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix cooked millet, zucchini, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Millet Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Fluffy pancakes made with steel-cut millet flour, served with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup steel-cut millet flour
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh fruit for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix millet flour, baking powder, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla to form a batter.
  2. 2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, cooking until bubbles form, then flipping to cook the other side.
  3. 3. Serve warm with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Millet and Chickpea Curry

A flavorful curry featuring steel-cut millet and chickpeas simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, served with fresh cilantro.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. 2. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder, bringing to a simmer.
  3. 3. Stir in cooked millet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, garnishing with fresh cilantro before serving.

Millet Energy Bites

Nutritious energy bites made with steel-cut millet, nut butter, and dried fruits, perfect for a healthy snack on the go.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix cooked millet, almond butter, honey, dried fruits, chopped nuts, and cinnamon until well combined.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. 3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.

Millet and Spinach Fritters

Crispy fritters made with steel-cut millet and fresh spinach, served with a yogurt dip for a healthy appetizer or snack.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked steel-cut millet
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked millet, spinach, onion, flour, egg, salt, and pepper to form a mixture.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, dropping spoonfuls of the mixture to form fritters.
  3. 3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, serving with yogurt dip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is steel-cut millet gluten-free?

Yes, steel-cut millet is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance.

How does steel-cut millet compare to other grains?

Steel-cut millet is higher in fiber and protein compared to many other grains, making it a more nutritious choice.

Can I use steel-cut millet in baking?

Yes, you can incorporate steel-cut millet into baked goods for added texture and nutrition.

How should I store steel-cut millet?

Store steel-cut millet in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

What are the health benefits of eating millet?

Millet is rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

How long does it take to cook steel-cut millet?

Cooking steel-cut millet typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Can I soak steel-cut millet before cooking?

Soaking steel-cut millet for a few hours can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Is steel-cut millet suitable for children?

Yes, steel-cut millet is nutritious and can be introduced to children's diets as a healthy grain option.