Zuppa all'Ortolana

For those who do not know this wonderful, tiny beneficial cereal that is millet, just try this recipe to go crazy! First, let's see what its nutritional properties are.

Millet contains a lot of protein and is gluten-free, has diuretic and energizing properties, promotes digestion and helps the kidneys and liver to purge toxins. This cereal is also indicated to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, thanks to its vitamin B3 content; It also seems to be able to prevent type 2 diabetes and help those with blood sugar problems, thanks to the low content of simple sugars. On an aesthetic level, millet brings benefits to hair, nails and teeth, stimulating the body to produce more keratin; Finally, it contains a large amount of mineral salts (such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium), vitamins (B, A, E, K and PP) and amino acids essential for the well-being of the body.

Ingredients

100 g hulled millet

1 tomato

3 carrots

1 zucchini

1 potato

100 g lentils

1 onion

fresh basil

fresh parsley

sweet paprika, marjoram, thyme

The recipe

This soup involves the use of the pressure cooker; In case you do not have it, you will have to double the cooking in a normal pot, always keeping it covered! First, you have to soak the millet in cold water for 12 hours, and then rinse it very well. The recipe itself is very simple, but on one thing you will have to be precise: the cutting of vegetables! Wash and peel everything; Cut onion, potato, carrots, zucchini into very small cubes, as fine as you can. Put the diced vegetables in the pressure cooker, add the millet, lentils, a few leaves of fresh basil, a teaspoon of spice mix (paprika, marjoram, thyme), chopped fresh parsley to your liking, a teaspoon full of salt, a drizzle of oil and close.

Cook under pressure for 25 minutes, or in a normal pot, always covered, for at least 45-50 minutes.

Serve hot at the table, with a little oil. You will feel how wonderful it is!

What is Hulled Millet?

Nutritionally, Millet is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Millet, like oat-bran and other grains, can also be also a healthy gluten-free option as well. Additionally, it is considered to be one of the least allergenic of all grains. One of its significant benefits is that while many other grains are acidic, Millet is alkaline which makes it easily digestible, and helps maintain pH equilibrium in the body. Millet is available in pearled (un-hulled) or hulled form. However, it is only prepared as food after being hulled since the grain has a naturally hard, indigestible covering that is removed before it can be considered ready for human consumption (much like Quinoa). As a result, Hulled Millet is the most commonly sold form. Once out of the hull, Millet seeds resemble tiny yellow beads with dark dots on the side where they are detached from the plant’s stem. Millet has a mild, slightly sweet flavor when cooked and can be prepared in a short period of time.