Instant Pot Millet (Pitimi)

Don’t let the name scare you…this Instant Pot Millet (Haitian Pitimi) is incredibly easy to make, with an amazing flavor combination and one you will come back to again and again! 

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Learn how to cook the perfect Haitian Pitimi with red beans every time with our tried & true method in the instant pot. Then, serve it with your favorite red snapper or Haitian Stew Chicken for a complete meal.

What is Millet?

To be begin, Millet is the English word for Pitimi, a grain that has been ground across the world for a long, long time. 

That said grain is referred to as Pitimi in Haitian Creole, of petit mil in French. At the heart of a dish, though, they’re all the same.

What’s the difference between Millet and Quinoa?

Well, to put it simply, there is no difference between millet (pitimi) and Quinoa. 

Both millet and quinoa are superfoods. They are gluten-free. They work well for vegetarian and vegan. And they are low carb. 

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Millet and quinoa are versatile. They are perfect for meatless dishes and are packed with protein and fiber.  

The main difference between the two grains is the number of amino acids. Will help provide all the 9-essential amino acid your body alone cannot produce. Whereas millet does not. 

Epis Ingredients

The Epis is the base ingredient used to make this instant pot millet recipe. To make the Haitian epis, it is very simple. You’ll need the following ingredients: 

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• Fresh parsley chopped
• Thyme
• Whole Cloves
• Cloves garlic
• Bell peppers and onions
• Green onions
• Basil
• Salt and pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Better bouillon vegetable base paste

Ingredients Used

Consider it a huge bonus when you do not need a long list of ingredients to make favorite this taste good. 

For this Haitian Pitimi, we used the following ingredients listed below: 

• 2 Cups Red Beans, Rinsed
• 8 Cups Water
• ½ Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Haitian Epis – This is the base of this dish and will provide an authentic flavor. 
• 2 teaspoon Salt; We used Kosher Salt
• 5 Thyme Sprigs (Fresh)
• 1 small Onion, Chopped 
• 1 Habanero Or Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Unbroken

Cooking Method

First, start by cooking the beans in the instant pot for 30 minutes. Quick release and strain the beans. Reserve 4 ½ cups of the liquid used to cook the beans. And set side.  

On the Instant Pot, click on sauté and adjust the time to 30 minutes. Add the beans, stir once and cook for 1 minute. 

Add the Haitian Epis then add the Pitimi. Stir a couple times to mix well. 

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Next, add the liquid that was used to cook the beans, salt and pepper, hot pepper (unbroken), and thyme. Give it a quick stir.

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Cover, seal, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. 

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When the timer goes off. Quick release and fluff with a fork. Serve and enjoy. 

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Stovetop Cooking Method

In a medium size saucepan, add the chopped onions to the heated oil. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. 

Then add the cooked beans and stir once.

Next, add the Haitian seasoning and millet. Stir a couple times. Then add the water, salt and pepper, thyme and pepper. 

Cover slightly and cook on medium heat until the liquid evaporates. Once the water has evaporated, lower the heat, and let simmer for about 10nminuts on low heat.

Cooking Tips

• It will take the instant pot about 10 minutes to come to pressure. However, as it come to temperature, it will begin the cooking process. 
• Be sure to wash the millet before cooking it to remove excessive starch and dirt. 
• If using canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove the thick, goopy liquid that the beans are soaked in.
• prior to using to cook the millet. 

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Looking for More Haitian Recipes Like this?

If you loved this Instant Pot Millet (Haitian pitimi), we recommend trying one of these recipes next: 

Poulet en Sauce

Labouyi- Bannann

Haitian Patties

Du Riz Djon Djon (black rice)

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