Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re transforming millet into a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal—Fried Millet Patties. These patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for appetizers, sides, or even a light main dish. For this recipe, we’ll be using pearl millet, which has a mild flavor and hearty texture. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl millet
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Millet:
   • Rinse the pearl millet under cold water.
   • In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the millet to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the millet is cooked. Fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the grated carrot and zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked millet, sautéed vegetables, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), beaten egg, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Form the Patties:
   • Take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. You should get about 10-12 patties.
   • Coat each patty lightly with additional bread crumbs for extra crunch.
5. Fry the Patties:
   • Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the patties to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Transfer the fried patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
   • Arrange the Fried Millet Patties on a serving platter.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or corn to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• These patties can also be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.

Enjoy your Fried Millet Patties as a tasty snack or a light meal. They’re a wonderful way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet while enjoying a crispy, flavorful treat. Happy cooking!

4o