Apple Butter Spiced Millet

Get ready to savor a delightful gluten-free and soy-free breakfast bowl that brings the spotlight to millet, an underrated and nutritious whole grain. Introducing Apple Butter Spiced Millet, a scrumptious and sweet morning treat guaranteed to banish those morning blues with its warm, rich, and creamy goodness. Made with full-fat coconut milk, aromatic spices, and luscious apple butter, this breakfast bowl will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, ready to take on the day.

YIELD: This recipe yields 4 servings of Apple Butter Spiced Millet.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (235 ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1 3/4 cups (415 ml) water, more if needed
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 g) unsweetened apple butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup (110 g) dry millet, ground into farina (see Recipe Notes)
• 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup (60 to 80 g) pure maple syrup, to taste
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pecan bits and pieces

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the full-fat coconut milk, water, unsweetened apple butter, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and a pinch of fine sea salt.
2. Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
3. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the millet farina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Partially cover the saucepan with a lid and let the millet mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it thickens but remains creamy.
5. During cooking, add extra water as needed to achieve the desired tenderness of the millet. Extend the cooking time if necessary.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract, ensuring they are well incorporated into the millet.
7. Let the millet mixture stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Divide the Apple Butter Spiced Millet among 4 bowls, and generously top each serving with toasted pecan bits and pieces.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup according to your taste preference.

RECIPE NOTES:

• For a pumpkin-flavored twist, substitute the apple butter with the same quantity of pure canned pumpkin (not pie mix) or pumpkin butter.
• Elevate the presentation and taste by adding roasted pears or apples on top of each serving.
• To achieve the farina consistency, grind the millet into a fine, granular texture, similar to ground nuts, using a coffee grinder or small blender. Grind the millet in 2 to 3 batches for the best results.

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Apple Butter Spiced Millet, a delightful breakfast bowl that celebrates the wholesome goodness of millet. This gluten-free and soy-free creation will become your go-to morning ritual, captivating your taste buds with its enticing blend of spices and the natural sweetness of apple butter. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the creamy coconut milk to the aromatic spices and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or customize it with pumpkin or roasted fruit, this nourishing breakfast bowl will not only shoo away the morning blues but also set the tone for a fantastic day ahead. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of Apple Butter Spiced Millet, and let it be a reminder that sometimes the most underrated ingredients can create the most unforgettable meals. So, treat yourself to this morning bliss, and savor the joy of a delicious and nutritious breakfast that truly warms both body and soul.1