• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Piping Pot Curry logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Indian
    • Cooking 101
  • Resources
    • Amazon Store
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Air Fryer 101
    • Meal Plan
    • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Indian
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Rice & Grains

    How to cook Sorghum?

    September 7, 2022 . By Meeta Arora . 2 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Cooked Sorghum/jowar in a bowl

    Learn how to cook sorghum perfectly in the instant pot and stovetop. You can make a variety of dishes with this nutritious gluten-free grain.

    Cooked Sorghum/jowar in a bowl

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What is Sorghum?
    • Sorghum Nutrition Benefits
    • How to cook?
    • How to store?
    • How to use?
    • Sorghum Recipes
    • Common Questions
    • How to cook 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.

    Sorghum or jowar in a bowl

    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 is available in the grain section of some grocery stores such as Whole Foods. It is also available with online sellers like Amazon and Bob's Red Mill.

    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.

    Ingredients of sorghum, water and salt

    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.
    Sorghum to be cooked in the pressure cooker
    • Seal the lid with the vent in sealing position and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
    • Let the pressure release naturally.
    Perfectly cooked sorghum in the instant pot
    • Open the lid, and give it a stir. If there is any excess liquid, drain it using a strainer.
    Cooked sorghum or jowar on a strainer to remove excess liquid
    • 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.
    Cooked Sorghum (jowar) in a bowl

    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

    Is sorghum good for weight loss?

    In comparison to other grains, the starches in sorghum take longer for the body to digest. As a result, sorghum is a great supplement to any meal, filling you up without adding too many calories to your diet. This will prevent you from munching on snacks at odd times.

    Is sorghum similar to corn?

    Sorghum grain is a small, round seed that ranges in color from nearly yellow to dark red to dark brown. Sorghum is an alternative cereal for corn in many countries around the world. Sorghum grain contains more protein and less fat than corn, but it does not contain carotene.

    Can sorghum cause allergy?

    Grass allergies and pollen allergies are extremely common. Unfortunately, Sorghum is a grass and has been linked to allergic reactions in some people. Nausea, vomiting, red and itchy mouth, and abdominal pain are common symptoms of food allergies.

    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
    Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
    Perfectly cooked sorghum/jowar in a bowl

    How to cook Sorghum?

    Meeta Arora
    Learn how to cook sorghum perfectly in the instant pot and stovetop. You can make a variety of dishes with this nutritious gluten-free grain.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Save Saved! Pin
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 163
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
    Method: Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 45 mins
    Total Time: 50 mins

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup Sorghum
    • 2 ½ cup Water
    • ½ teaspoon Salt optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the sorghum with cool water.

    Stovetop Method

    • (optional) Soak sorghum in 3 cups of water for 6-8 hours. Then drain the liquid.
    • In a medium saucepan, add sorghum, water and salt. Bring to a 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. Stir occasionally, and add more water if needed. Drain any remaining liquid. Fluff with a fork and season to taste. Enjoy!

    Instant Pot Method

    • Add the rinsed sorghum to the Instant Pot with water and salt. Close the lid with vent in sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes .
    • Let the pressure release naturally, then open the lid.
    • Drain any excess liquid by transferring the cooked sorghum to a strainer. Fluff with a fork and season to taste. Serve hot or cold, in soups and salads, or as a side dish.

    Video

    Notes

    Storing: You can store sorghum in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Cooked sorghum can also be stored in freezer safe ziploc bags or containers for up to 3 months.

    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 301mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 3gCalcium: 18mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword how to cook sorghum, instant pot sorghum
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

    More Rice & Grain Recipes

    • Broccoli Paratha
    • Paneer Paratha
    • Aloo Paratha
    • Chana Dal Pulao

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ellen says

      July 25, 2022 at 4:09 am

      Hello,
      I tried this recipe tonight. I had soaked the sorghum seeds for 8 hours then i rinsed and added 1 1/2 cups sorghum + 3 1/2 cups water and set the instant pot to 30 mins. Then it went for 25 mins before natural release finished. When i opened the instant pot to take the sorghum out, it was white, had enlarged and was super sticky! I can't find anything on the internet about sorghum being sticky when cooked. Are you able to tell me what I did wrong?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        August 07, 2022 at 6:16 pm

        Hi Ellen - It sounds like you did everything right. I would drain any remaining liquid from the cooked sorghum and then let it sit so it soaks up any remaining moisture and is not sticky.
        You can also try to add 1/2 cup less liquid next time. And do a 10 minute pressure release, if it is taking too long for the natural pressure release.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meeta Arora of Piping Pot Curry

    I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. Here you will find easy & delicious recipes using Instant Pot & Air Fryer.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
    • Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
    • Instant Pot Chana Masala (Punjabi Chole Masala / Chickpea Curry)
    • Indian Dal Tadka / Dal Fry with Basmati Rice - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
    • Perfect Basmati Rice - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    AS FEATURED ON

    Piping Pot Curry Featured on websites

    Footer

    AS FEATURED ON
    Piping pot curry Featured on sites

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Meeta
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Recipes

    • Instant Pot 101
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Cooking 101
    • Web Stories

    Resources

    • Shop
    • Gift Guide
    • How to start a blog?
    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Piping Pot Curry