‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well’
– Virginia Wolf
This is a new grain and recipe to me. I learnt it in the health supportive program at the institute of culinary education. I hadn’t used Millet before, but this ancient grain has many health benefits and the highest calcium content of all the grains. It is high in minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and selenium as well as essential vitamins like folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin and vitamins B6, C, E and K.
It is rich in antioxidants, helping to protect your body from oxidative stress. It is low GI and rich in fibre, and so helps control blood sugar levels.
One cup of millet contains around 200 calories, over 6 grams of protein, 2 grams of fibre and less than 2 grams of fat.
I use these as a lunch box bite or as Mr B put it, a vegan alternative to crab cakes.
They are good with a dipping sauce or three as they take well to strong flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet, washed and drained
- 2 cups stock or water
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted and ground in a blender
- ½ bunch scallions, minced
- ½ bunch parsley, minced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2-4 tbsp. tamari
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F
- After you have washed and drained the millet, dry roast it in a pan to get rid of any excess moisture. It will start to smell like popcorn as it starts to toast. This will add a nutty taste to your millet cakes. If you are pinched for time, you can skip this step
- Add the water and salt to the millet. Bring to a boil then down to a simmer
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until all the water is absorbed
- Transfer the millet to a bowl, add all the filling and mix together
- The mixture should be sticky, from the starchiness of the millet
- Mold into balls with your hands, using an ice-cream scoop for portioning. Make sure to flatten down a little
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and bake the cakes till golden brown, c. 30 minutes
- You can paint with coconut oil for a deeper golden brown (optional)
