Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re going to prepare a creamy and flavorful dish – Lemon-Sage Millet Risotto. This risotto is made with millets instead of rice, infused with the bright flavors of lemon and aromatic sage, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Millets (such as foxtail millet or any variety you prefer)
• 3 cups Vegetable Broth
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup White Wine (optional)
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 2 tbsp Fresh Sage leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (optional, for a creamy texture)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking Millets

1. Rinse and toast: Rinse the millets under running water and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
2. Simmer millets: In a separate saucepan, heat vegetable broth until simmering. Keep it warm on low heat.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a large pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in white wine (if using) and stir until it evaporates, about 2 minutes.
5. Cook millets: Add toasted millets to the pan with onions and garlic. Stir to coat the millets with oil.
6. Add broth: Gradually add warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process will take about 20-25 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
7. Add lemon and sage: When millets are tender and creamy, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped sage leaves.
8. Finish with cheese (optional): Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish Lemon-Sage Millet Risotto with additional sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve: Serve hot, optionally with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips and Variations

• Creamy texture: For an even creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth to keep this risotto vegetarian.
• Vegan option: Skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon-Sage Millet Risotto is a healthier alternative to traditional rice risotto, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from millets and fresh herbs, while the lemon adds a refreshing zest.

Enjoy preparing and indulging in this Lemon-Sage Millet Risotto, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!