Millet & Red Pepper Pilaf

This is a simple recipe that is packed with flavour and nutrients. Enjoy as a side to your meal or serve up as the main event. There are so many variations you can try with this recipe as it lends itself so well to cater for what is in season, for example in summer courgette would be a great addition and in winter you could try leeks or cauliflower. Let your imagination run wild!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup hulled millet
1/2 cup of basmati rice
2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup roasted sliced red peppers
1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley,basil or feta for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Rinse and Toast the Millet:
Place the hulled millet in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water. Drain well. In a large, dry skillet over medium heat, add the rinsed millet. Toast the millet for 3-4 minutes until it starts to turn golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the millet from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the good stuff:
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Millet & Rice:
Return the toasted millet to the skillet with the rice, sautéed onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
Pour in the vegetable stock, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender, rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Fluff and Add Flavor:
Once the millet is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Add the sliced almonds, roasted red peppers, and nutritional yeast flakes to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. The nutritional yeast will add a cheesy flavor, so go easy on the salt and taste to adjust.

Serve hot as a side dish or a yummy main course. It's a flavorful, savory, and slightly cheesy dish that's packed with protein and essential nutrients.
Garnish with chopped parsley, basil or with a sprinkle of crumbled feta.