As the chilly winds of winter set in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to lift your spirits and keep you cozy. One way to add a nutritious twist to your winter pasta dishes is by incorporating millet, a versatile and gluten-free grain known for its nutty flavour and health benefits. Millet-based pasta not only brings a unique taste to your table but also provides a hearty and satisfying alternative. Experiment with these dishes, and let the comforting aroma of millet-based pasta fill your kitchen, providing a perfect remedy for the cold days ahead. From Millet Pappardelle with Mushroom Ragu to Millet Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, here are five delightful millet-based pasta recipes to warm up your winter days.
1. MILLET PAPPARDELLE WITH MUSHROOM RAGU
Ingredients:
Millet pappardelle pasta
Assorted mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, and oyster)
Onion, garlic, and thyme
Tomato paste, vegetable broth, and red wine
Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make:
Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and red wine. Simmer until the liquid reduces.
Cook millet pappardelle according to package instructions. Toss with the mushroom ragù.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
2. MILLET FUSILLI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
Ingredients:
Millet fusilli pasta
Assorted winter vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash)
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey
Fresh rosemary and garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make:
Roast vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, rosemary, and garlic until tender.
Cook millet fusilli according to package instructions. Toss with the roasted vegetables.
Drizzle with extra olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
3. MILLET ORZO SOUP WITH WINTER GREENS
Ingredients:
Millet orzo pasta
Winter greens (kale, Swiss chard)
Carrots, celery, and onion
Vegetable broth
Fresh thyme and bay leaves
Lemon juice, salt, and pepper
How To Make:
Sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened. Add vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
Cook millet orzo separately and add it to the soup along with chopped winter greens.
Simmer until the greens are wilted, season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Serve piping hot with a slice of crusty bread.
4. MILLET PENNE WITH CREAMY PUMPKIN SAUCE
Ingredients:
Millet penne pasta
Pumpkin puree
Coconut milk
Sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon
Garlic, onion, and vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make:
Saute garlic and onion until golden. Add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
Season with sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
Cook millet penne according to package instructions. Toss with the creamy pumpkin sauce.
Garnish with fresh sage and enjoy the warmth of this flavorful dish.
5. MILLET SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO WITH SPINACH AND PECORINO
Ingredients:
Millet spaghetti
Fresh spinach
Garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil
Pecorino Romano cheese
Lemon zest, salt, and black pepper
How To Make:
Cook millet spaghetti according to package instructions.
Saute garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Toss the cooked millet spaghetti with the spinach mixture. Top with grated Pecorino Romano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Serve immediately for a quick and delightful winter pasta dish.
