Millets are known to nourish, sustain and thrive. Ever thought something which is healthy can be tasty as well? Besides munching those millet puffs, you can come up with endless recipes that can satisfy your taste buds and are rich in nutrients, healthy, and diversified as you wish. This 100% natural food brings health, taste and variations.
Ragi or Finger Millet Idli
What if you send your favourite food for a fancy dress competition and now the new one exceeds the traditional one? We are discussing the ragi idli, which is high in nutrition and comes with all the ragi health benefits. It tastes almost like the traditional idli. You can enjoy a nutty flavour while eating it, and these steamed puffs can occupy a great role in any part of your meal, especially your breakfast.
You need to soak one part of ragi in three parts of buttermilk for an hour. After an hour, you will see the batter being fluffy. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar to it. Add eating soda to the batter and pour it into the idly maker. This wholesome food gives utter satisfaction and could be paired with coconut, tomato or tamarind chutney and sambar. You can add variation in the way you make idli, sambar or chutney as per your preference.
Thalipeeth or Multigrain Flatbreads
You will find this dish mainly in Maharashtrian culture as a staple food. It comes with rich flavour, nutritional value and can be diversified as per your preference. It is a popular snack there, though people are eating it worldwide now. Its preparation is pretty unique. You need to add different millet flours in equal proportions with the basic spices like salt, red chilli powder, cumin seeds and dried fenugreek leaves. Make a dough out of it. Prepare them the way you make flat rotis. You can add extra butter too if you want, or you can have it like that. You can have them without any side dish or with pickles or curd. This bhajan flour preparation is a common trend and is passed on through generations.
Samak Rice or Barnyard Millet Pulao
Samak rice pulao is among those flavoured, rich, fragrant dishes that Indians consume during their fasting days too. People of North India seem to use it more and enjoy the simplest and versatile millet to the fullest. During Navratri and Ekadashi, people ate them more as they were among the rarest grains accepted during those days. The preparation method is exactly like rice pulao. You can select the vegetables of your choice in the preparation.
Either boil it beforehand or prepare it in the pressure cooker. Add a little bit of oil to the cooker. Add cumin seeds to it and tez patta. Later, add chopped chillies and ginger into it. Select vegetables and put them into it. Add Samak rice, pink salt and red chilli powder to it. Add an adequate amount of water to it and let it whistle at least twice or thrice. Wait and open the cooker after the steam is out. Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves, and the correct blend of taste and health is ready. This is your satisfying meal, matching any occasion.
Bajre or Pearl Millet Porridge (khichdi)
Bajre ki khichdi is an emotion for Rajasthani and Haryanvi people. The mouth-watering smell of the porridge can win your heart. Earlier, these dishes were associated with particular geographical locations, but now it is almost loved and cooked worldwide. It is simply the combination of rich taste and nourishment. Two ingredients are needed to cook it besides water and ghee- bajra and spices.
Known for its wholesome ingredients, it is a nutritional powerhouse. People love to cook it during chilly winter when the body is craving extra warmth. You need to add ghee to the kadhai or the pressure cooker. Wash the bajra and then pour it into the utensils. Add four parts of water and spices to it. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes. You can enjoy them with ghee, pickles, aloo chokha, shakkar or jaggery powder.
Ragi or Finger Millet Flour Kheer
Besides Ragi Puff, Ragi Kheer is also a delightful meal that you should not miss trying. Life is short and sweet with sweet dishes, and Ragi kheer is among the most nutritional and delightful ones. This is a popular South Indian dessert and is rich in calcium, fibre, iron and carbon. Amazed! With the cooking process of the traditional kheer, this comes with a twist- ragi superfood goodness with cardamon and saffron-flavoured milk and nuts. Cooked especially during the festivals, this wholesome dessert can bring taste and health together. You need to boil the milk till it becomes two-thirds. Add a one-fifth portion of ragi and keep stirring. Add the flavour you want and stir continuously. Add sugar as per your taste. Finally, garnish it with nuts, and it is ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. This sweet will ensure you get the bowl of nutrition while enjoying your favourite sweet.
Enjoy Your Food Bowl- With a Difference
Experimenting with new food is always welcoming and brings a spark to your dining table. What we suggest here is to add taste with health! Check with your health specialist to know you aren't allergic to any of the super grains. Remember to add health to your daily menu in a way you want. We have curated 5 recipes for you which are healthy and full of nutrients, but you can try and experiment more.
Do not miss to consult your doctor before starting with any new food. Health is above all, and a wise man once said, Eat to live but never live to eat! Millets have several benefits and are known worldwide for their hardness and power when grown in a challenging environment, even when the soil quality is not good, or the water supply is low. Dishes made with them can actually push you towards a healthy lifestyle; just be cautious while choosing your favourite grain among these millets.
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