Zesty Millet Salad with Corn, Peppers, and Roasted Peanuts
This vibrant Zesty Millet Salad celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Africa while offering a refreshing twist for modern palates. By cooking millet with aromatic spices and sautéing onions until golden, each grain is infused with flavor, making this salad a delightful and wholesome dish. The crunch of sweet corn, the crispness of bell peppers, and the juiciness of Roma tomatoes come together in a colorful medley that's as nutritious as it is delicious. A zesty dressing of lemon and brown sugar brightens the flavors further, while roasted peanuts add a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish for your next gathering, this salad is both filling and invigorating, offering a taste of Africa in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
millet
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 medium (julienned (about 1 1/2 cups))
garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
paprika
1 tablespoon
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon
cayenne
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
water
1 1/2 cups
salt
1 teaspoon
lemon juice
1/4 cup
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
extra crunchy corn
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
green bell pepper
1 small (chopped)
roma tomato
1 whole (chopped)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
roasted peanuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the julienned onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped garlic and minced ginger; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Add the paprika, ground black pepper, allspice, and cayenne to the pan, stirring for another minute to toast the spices.
4
Rinse the millet under cold water and drain. Add the millet to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and spices. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the millet is warm to the touch.
5
Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6
Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the millet is tender. Once done, remove from heat and let it steam in the covered pot for an additional 10 minutes.
7
Transfer the cooked millet to a large mixing bowl and cover to allow it to cool.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, and brown sugar until well combined.
9
Once the millet is cooled, gently fold in the drained corn, chopped green bell pepper, chopped Roma tomato, and parsley.
10
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
11
Top the salad with the chopped roasted peanuts before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Millet Salad with Corn, Peppers, and Roasted Peanuts?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad that combines cooked millet with aromatic spices, sautéed onions, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and roasted peanuts, inspired by African culinary heritage.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including millet, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, are plant-based.
Is the Zesty Millet Salad gluten-free?
Yes, millet is a naturally gluten-free grain, making this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients used in this recipe, including spices and the dressing components.
What type of millet should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of millet, which should be rinsed and drained before cooking.
How do I cook the millet for this salad?
Sauté it with oil and spices for 2-3 minutes, then simmer in 1.5 cups of water for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What spices are used to flavor the millet?
The millet is flavored with garlic, ginger, paprika, black pepper, allspice, and cayenne.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The julienned onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and soft.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your taste preference.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
What kind of corn should I use?
The recipe recommends one 8-ounce can of extra crunchy corn, drained.
Which vegetables are added to the salad?
The salad includes chopped green bell peppers and chopped Roma tomatoes.
When should I add the roasted peanuts?
The chopped roasted peanuts should be added as a topping just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Do I need to let the millet cool before adding vegetables?
Yes, the millet should be transferred to a bowl and allowed to cool before folding in the fresh vegetables and dressing.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of lemon juice for the zesty dressing.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar?
The brown sugar is used in the dressing to provide a hint of sweetness that balances the lemon juice and spices.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to be folded into the salad.
How long does the millet need to steam after cooking?
After the 20-minute simmer, you should let the millet steam in the covered pot for an additional 10 minutes.
What type of tomatoes are best?
The recipe specifically recommends using Roma tomatoes for their firm texture and juiciness.
Is this salad a good side dish for gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a side dish for gatherings.
How much water is needed to cook the millet?
You will need 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of millet.
What type of onion preparation is required?
The onion should be julienned, which should yield about 1.5 cups.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic are sautéed with the ginger and onions.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor profile?
The combination of lemon juice, ginger, and various spices like paprika and cayenne gives the salad its zesty character.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
While the millet is cooked warm, the salad is typically served cool or at room temperature after the ingredients are mixed.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you could use red or yellow peppers for different colors.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, added during the millet cooking process.
What is the role of allspice in this dish?
Allspice adds a warm, aromatic depth to the millet that complements the African-inspired flavor profile.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used: 1 for sautéing and 2 for the dressing.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious because it contains whole grains, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and peanuts.