Ever since traveling to Morocco in 2017, I’ve loved the depth and warmth of the spices used in Moroccan cuisine. As my gut began to heal after months of keeping things simple with just sea salt, I was thrilled to reintroduce ingredients like turmeric and cumin. Both make an appearance in this recipe, joined by a touch of cinnamon for a subtly sweet balance to the savory flavors. Enjoy this millet as a side to your favorite protein, or stir in diced or rotisserie chicken for a complete meal. You can’t go wrong.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Inspired by Moroccan flavors. The trio of turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon creates a warm, aromatic profile that’s both savory and comforting.
Water-based cooked. Made without added oils. The millet is simmered in broth or water for gentle, gut-friendly nourishment.
Quick + versatile. Ready in about 25 minutes and works as a base for bowls, or mix in protein for a complete meal.
Digestive-friendly. Free from common triggers, yet full of flavor and fiber to support balanced blood sugar and satiety.
Meal-prep friendly. Stores well and reheats beautifully for easy weekday meals.
Benefits of Millet
Millet is one of my favorite grains to cook with, and it often goes overlooked. Naturally gluten-free and easy to digest, it offers a satisfying texture while still feeling light on the stomach.
Here are a few reasons I love incorporating millet into my meals:
- Gut-friendly and gluten-free. Millet is naturally gluten-free and less likely to cause digestive discomfort compared to other grains.
- Rich in fiber. Its fiber content supports steady energy, balanced blood sugar, and healthy digestion.
- Mineral-rich. Millet provides magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, key minerals that support energy production and nervous system health.
- Versatile texture. Depending on how you cook it, millet can be creamy like porridge or fluffy like rice, making it an ideal base for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Supports satiety. Millet’s unique combination of complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein helps you feel nourished and satisfied without heaviness.
Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast bowl, a base for your favorite proteins, or a side dish like this Moroccan-spiced version, millet is a grounding, nutrient-dense staple to keep in rotation.
Healthified Notes
This recipe is a perfect example of how water-based cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Cooking the millet directly in broth infuses it with flavor (although water works too!). I also love how the natural sweetness of cinnamon balances the combination of cumin and turmeric, a flavor trifecta that feels grounding yet energizing.
You can enjoy this dish as a side, a base for roasted or steamed vegetables, or as a full meal by mixing in diced or rotisserie chicken. It’s hearty, wholesome, and a beautiful way to bring global inspiration into your gut-friendly kitchen.
Moroccan-Inspired Millet {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}
Equipment
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ cup uncooked millet
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Sea salt to taste
- 2/3 cup chopped Medjool dates from about 5-6 dates
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds raw or slightly toasted if desired
- ¼ cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the millet, cover, and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed and the millet is fluffy.
- Transfer the cooked millet to a medium bowl. Add the turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until the millet is colorfully blended with the spices. Add then chopped dates, sliced almonds, and parsley. Stir to combine. Serve warm.
