Millet porridge, or Xiao Mi Zhou (小米粥) in Mandarin, is a beloved breakfast staple in China and beyond. This simple yet incredibly nutritious porridge boasts a subtly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, offering a comforting warmth perfect for any time of day. Made from humble millet grains, it’s packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Its creamy texture and gentle sweetness appeal to both adults and children, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to other breakfast options. Beyond its nutritional value, millet porridge is remarkably versatile, allowing for endless customization with additions like dried fruits, nuts, or sweeteners to suit individual preferences.
This incredibly adaptable porridge is easier to make than you might think! Ready to discover the secrets to crafting the perfect bowl of millet porridge? Let's dive into the step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Grinder (for sesame seeds and soybeans)
Ingredients
- Ground millet: 6 tablespoons
- Water: 3 cups
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Roasted soybeans
- Soy bean skins: 1 1/2 cups
- Chinese mustard greens (or other greens): 1 1/2 cups
- Salt
- White pepper
- Five-spice powder
- Sugar
- Roasted peanuts
- Soy sauce
- Chencang vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Millet Base
- Grind toasted sesame seeds and roasted soybeans to a powder. This adds nutty flavor and protein.
- In a pot, combine 6 tablespoons of ground millet and 3 cups of water. Stir well to remove lumps.
Step 2. Cook the Millet Porridge
- Bring the millet mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Step 3. Add Fillings and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cups soy bean skins and 1 1/2 cups Chinese mustard greens (or your preferred greens).
- Once the porridge has thickened, add salt, the soy bean skins, and mustard greens. Simmer until the greens wilt.
- Add a pinch of white pepper, five-spice powder, and a little sugar to adjust the bitterness of the millet. (Millet can go rancid quickly and become bitter if not stored properly, so grinding it fresh is best)
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Once the flavors have melded, serve the porridge hot.
- Top with roasted peanuts, more ground soybean powder, soy sauce, and/or chencang vinegar for extra flavor.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Grind millet fresh to avoid bitterness. If storing millet, keep it frozen.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference and the bitterness of the millet.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of millet for this recipe?
While this recipe uses common millet, you can experiment with other varieties like foxtail or proso millet. Cooking times may vary slightly.
2. How can I make the porridge thicker or thinner?
For thicker porridge, use less water. For thinner porridge, use more water. You can also adjust the cooking time.
3. What can I add to my millet porridge to make it more flavorful?
Get creative! Add dried fruits (dates, raisins), nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia, flax), or spices (cinnamon, ginger) for extra flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Chinese millet porridge! This versatile recipe is a perfect starting point for your own culinary explorations; feel free to experiment with different toppings and additions to personalize your breakfast. From a simple yet nutritious start to your day to a heartwarming evening meal, millet porridge is a delicious and healthy choice.