Toasted Sesame Millet Custard with Peaches
Creamy millet custard meets juicy peaches and toasted sesame for a not-too-sweet dessert with a warm grainy bite.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 18 · Total: 28 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (77 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
The gentle custard is inspired by rice pudding, but millet brings a pleasantly nutty grain and a faster stovetop finish.
Story
Casey thinks dessert should sometimes feel like a soft landing instead of a grand finale. Millet gives this custard a gentle nutty texture, while peaches bring enough juice to keep each spoonful bright. The sesame is tiny but important, adding a toastiness that makes the honey taste deeper. Serve it warm and let the day slow down.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup millet, rinsed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Combine the millet, milk, honey, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the millet is tender and the milk looks thickened.
- Whisk the egg yolks and vanilla in a small bowl, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot millet mixture.
- Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring, until softly thickened.
- Toss the peach slices with the lemon juice and toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1 minute.
- Spoon the warm custard into bowls, top with peaches, yogurt, and toasted sesame, and serve.
Chef Tips
- Rinse the millet until the water runs mostly clear for a clean, mellow flavor.
- Temper the yolks slowly so they blend into the custard without curdling.
- The custard thickens as it stands, so loosen it with a splash of milk if needed.
- Use nectarines or plums when peaches are not at their best.
Cook's Notes
- **Millet:** Rinse it well to keep the custard tasting sweet and clean.
- **Yolks:** Temper them with hot liquid before returning them to the pot.
- **Fruit:** Slice peaches just before serving to keep their color bright.
- **Make ahead:** Chill the custard up to 2 days and add a splash of milk before serving.