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Creamy Millet with Roasted Portobellos

This comforting vegetarian dish offers a sophisticated twist on grain-based dining, featuring a creamy, porridge-like millet that mimics the velvety texture of polenta. Infused with grated nutmeg, fresh thyme, and a tangy duo of Pecorino and Gorgonzola, it provides a deeply savoury base for the earthy vegetables. The addition of white balsamic vinegar brings a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite perfectly balanced.

A substantial and heart-healthy main course, this recipe is ideal for a cosy weeknight supper or a relaxed weekend dinner with friends. The combination of roasted portobello mushrooms and crispy, mineral-rich Tuscan kale adds a wonderful variety of textures, from succulent and meaty to light and crunchy. Serve this wholesome meal on warmed plates for the ultimate autumn or winter comfort.

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Ingredients for Creamy Millet with Roasted Portobellos

  • 240ml millet

  • 600ml milk

  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese, plus more for garnish

  • 40g crumbled Gorgonzola

  • 4 portobello mushrooms, stemmed

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence

  • 1 bunch lacinato (Tuscan) kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preheat the oven to 204°C. Rinse and drain the millet. Put it in a heavy pot (enameled cast-iron, if you have one). Add the milk, 475ml water, and a big pinch of salt. Stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn, until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and thyme and cook another 3 minutes. The consistency should be like that of a soft polenta with some millet nuggets in it. If it starts to thicken too much or the texture is too coarse, add another 120ml water as it cooks. Stir in both cheeses, taste, and add salt and pepper, if desired. Turn off the heat and leave the lid ajar.

In a large bowl, stir together the oil, vinegar, herbes de Provence, and 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Brush both sides of the mushrooms with the dressing and gently toss the kale with the remaining dressing. Put the mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet, stem side up. Bake until the mushrooms have shrunk down and softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, spread the kale in the remaining space, sprinkle with the red pepper flakes, and roast until the kale is just softened and crisped a bit, another 5 minutes.

To serve, place a generous scoop of the cheesy millet on each plate. Top with a portobello, some roasted kale, some Pecorino, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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