Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Millet; rinsed about 2 or 3 times and drained
• 2 cups of Water
• 8 oz pkg of Shiitake Mushrooms
• 1 orange or yellow Bell Pepper; diced
• ½ of an Onion; diced
• 15 oz can of Corn; drained
• 2 small or 1 large Scallions; green and white parts
• 1 cup of Mustard Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Basic Mustard Vinaigrette

(Mix all ingredients below and whisk thoroughly to combine)

• 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/3 cup Rice Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• A pinch of Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot (or wok), add the rinsed millet and dry it out from the rinsing over a medium low heat; keep it moving in the pan so it does not burn.

2. After it is dry (about 2 minutes), add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and continue to stir to coat the millet for about 1 more millet; remove the pan from the heat.

3. In a second large pot with a heavy or a snug fitting lid, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.

4. Add the millet to the pot of water and bring the pot back to a boil; place the cover on and lower the heat to low. Set a timer for 25 minutes (do not uncover or touch the millet again until it is done).

5. While the millet is simmering; in a large sauté pan or wok, sauté the onions and bell pepper in about 3 Tbsp of olive oil over a medium low heat for about 4 minutes until the peppers and onions are slightly tender.

6. Now add the corn and the shiitake mushrooms to the pan and raise the heat to high and continue to cook mixture for about 3 minutes; you are only looking to warm the corn and mushrooms through at this point. After the mixture is done, set aside and cover the pan to keep warm.

7. After 25 minutes when the millet is done, shut the heat off, uncover the pot and set the timer for 10 minutes (do not touch or stir the millet). This will allow the millet to dry out a bit and fluff up nicely.

8. After the 10 minutes, use a fork with large tines and fluff by raking the fork through the millet.

9. Dump the millet into a large mixing bowl (big enough for the millet and vegetable mixture), add the vegetable mixture to the bowl along with the scallions and gently fold to combine.

10. Add all of the vinaigrette to the millet mixture with your desired amount of salt and pepper and again fold gently to combine.

11. Place millet salad in the fridge for about 20 minutes so the flavors have a chance to combine.

12. Take the millet out of the fridge after the 20 minutes and zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so just to bring it back to a warm temperature (but not hot). Serve.

Note: I find that letting the millet sit for a while really allows all of the flavors to come together and to intensify. Of course, you can eat the millet right after you make it without refrigeration, but the full impact of the flavors will not be present without a little resting. In fact, you can let this chill in the fridge for quite a few hours if you want to make this beforehand for a party.

For more gluten-free holiday recipes and tips:

Gluten-Free Holiday Central