Sorghum, also called jowar, is a grain that is quite popular in India. It is used to make porridge, flour and it pops up just like corn. I have been trying to include more healthy grains and millets in our daily meals such as wild rice blend, buckwheat and sorghum. So sorghum was a natural choice to add. And it is so easy to cook in the instant pot, or the stovetop. You can use it as a substitute for rice, or add it to salads or soups.
Watch How to Make Sorghum
What is Sorghum?
Sorghum is an ancient cereal that has been around for more than 5000 years. It was first cultivated in Africa and it slowly became popular in Egypt, India, and China.
Is sorghum a grain?
Sorghum is known as a super grain with a mild, nutty flavor and is a popular ingredient to add as a flour for many baking recipes. It is more closely related to corn rather than wheat, rye or barley. Sorghum is also known as Great millet, milo, durra or shallu. In India, sorghum is known Jowar, Cholam or Jonna, whereas in China it called as kaoliang and in West Africa as Guinea corn.
Is sorghum gluten-free?
Yes, it is a gluten-free grain that can be made into so many recipes. It can be popped like popcorn, made into porridge, or added to salads. It is even available as a syrup.
Where to buy?
Sorghum Nutrition Benefits
Sorghum comes with loads of nutritional benefits. It is an iron powerhouse that contains about 12% of the daily recommended value. Other than iron, this super grain also has other nutrients such as Vitamin B1, B2, B5, magnesium, proteins, and fiber. The health benefits of this cereal grain are immense:
Sorghum is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects as it contains phenolic compounds Helps in managing your weight loss journey Has anti-cancer effects
How to cook?
There are different ways to cook sorghum like stovetop and instant pot. Also, there is always a question about the soaking v/s no soak process when it comes to sorghum. I have tried both recipes and they work just fine. If you are using the instant pot for cooking sorghum, you can skip soaking. However if cooking on the stovetop, it is better to soak to reduce the cooking time.
Ingredients
This recipe has basic ingredients – sorghum/jowar, water and salt. You can use broth in place of water if you prefer.
Instant Pot Method
Rinse the soaked sorghum under running water to remove the starch and other impurities. Then add the rinsed sorghum to the instant pot with water and salt. Add 2.5 cups of water to one cup of sorghum. This ratio has given me the best results.
Seal the lid with the vent in sealing position and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
Open the lid, and give it a stir. If there is any excess liquid, drain it using a strainer.
Fluff the drained sorghum with a fork and season it as you like. Serve the cooked sorghum hot or cold , add to soups and salads or just enjoy it as a side dish.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker
Follow the same steps as above, and pressure cook for 1-2 whistles on high flame. Then lower the flame to medium and let it cook for another 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
Stovetop Method
(optional) Rinse sorghum and soak in 3 cups of water for 6-8 hours. Then drain the water. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed sorghum to water along with salt. Bring the water to boil, then reduce flame to low and simmer for about an 1 hour or until the sorghum gets tender. You can cover the pan with a lid for even cooking and keep stirring at regular intervals. If needed, add some more water to the pan. When the sorghum becomes tender, drain the remaining liquid using a strainer and fluff it with a fork. Season the sorghum and enjoy.
How to store?
You can store sorghum for a longer amount of time when compared to other grains. You can cook it beforehand, store sorghum in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Cooked sorghum can be stored in freezer safe ziploc bags or containers for up to 3 months.
How to use?
You can use the cooked sorghum in any number of recipes.
You can add them to salads along with veggies. Use it is as a substitute for rice or quinoa in your daily meals. Add it to your buddha bowl recipes such as this vegan sweet potato bowl. Make it part of your weekly meal prep.
Sorghum Recipes
Sorghum Grain Bowl Sorghum Berry Breakfast Porridge Curried Sorghum & Carrot Veggie Cakes
Hope you enjoy this healthy super grain and add it to your regular meals.
Common Questions
Here are more healthy meal prep recipes you will enjoy:
Instant Pot Wild Rice Instant Pot Cannellini Beans Instant Pot Brown Rice Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
