Millet Balls with Vegetables on Broad Bean Cream

The millet balls with vegetables and broad bean cream are a tasty and nutritious dish, perfect for those following a vegetarian diet or simply for those who want to try something different. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients for the millet balls with vegetables:

• 200 g of millet
• 400 ml of water
• 1 zucchini
• 1 carrot
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs (if necessary)
• Extra virgin olive oil

Ingredients for the broad bean cream:

• 200 g of peeled dried broad beans
• 1 medium potato
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Water or vegetable broth to taste

Preparation for the millet balls:

1. Rinse the millet under running water and let it drain.
2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil, add the millet, and cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed. Then allow to cool.
3. In the meantime, finely chop the zucchini, carrot, and onion.
4. Fry the chopped vegetables in a little oil until they are tender.
5. In a bowl, combine the cooked millet, sautéed vegetables, and parsley. Add salt, pepper, and mix well.
6. If the mixture is too moist, add a bit of breadcrumbs until you reach a workable consistency.
7. Form uniform-sized balls and cook them in a non-stick pan with a drizzle of oil until golden brown on all sides.

Preparation for the broad bean cream:

1. Soak the broad beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the beans and put them in a pot with fresh water or vegetable broth, the potato cut into pieces, and a clove of garlic.
3. Cook over medium heat until the beans and potato are soft.
4. Remove the garlic and blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth. If necessary, add a bit more liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.

Serve the hot millet balls accompanied by the broad bean cream. You can garnish the dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

Curiosity

Did you know that millet is one of the oldest cereals cultivated by man and is particularly appreciated for its high nutritional value? It’s rich in iron, magnesium, and fiber and can be an excellent gluten-free alternative to more common wheat. The broad bean cream is a typical dish from Southern Italy, especially in Puglia, where it’s called “fave e cicorie” and usually served with wild chicory.