|
|
How to Use Pearl Millet in the Kitchen
Pearl millet, also known as bajra, is a highly nutritious whole grain that is ideal for people with weak digestion or during recovery from illness.
Rich in iron, essential minerals, and vitamins, pearl millet is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of healthy recipes.
You can use pearl millet flour to make traditional Indian breads like chapati, thepla, puri, and dhebra (spiced flatbreads).
Its naturally mild, slightly sweet flavour adds a unique taste and nutritional boost to your meals. Whether used as whole grain or ground into flour, pearl millet is an excellent gluten-free grain to incorporate into your daily diet.
|
Recipes:
Healthy Pearl Millet and Tomato Chaat:
| Ingredients: |
| Pearl millet (bajra) |
½ cup |
| Chopped tomato |
½ cup |
| Chopped green chillies |
1-2 |
| Pomegranate seeds |
½ cup |
| Black salt |
Pinch |
| Salt |
as per taste |
| Black pepper powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Coriander-cumin powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Chopped coriander leaves |
2 t.spoon |
| Recipe: |
| Rinse and soak pearl millet in 2 cups of water for a few hours. |
| Pressure cook it with ½ teaspoon of salt for 3-4 whistles until soft but not mushy. |
| Drain excess water and transfer the cooked millet to a mixing bowl. |
| Add chopped tomatoes, green chillies, pomegranate seeds, and all the spices. |
| Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. |
| Serve immediately as a light snack, side dish, or part of a healthy lunch. |
| Rich in fibre, iron, and essential minerals, this pearl millet chaat supports digestion, is perfect for both kids and adults and blends the wholesome goodness of millet with the bold flavours of traditional chaat spices. |
Pearl Millet Chilla (Pancake):
| Ingredients: |
| Pearl millet (whole bajra) |
½ cup |
| Wheat flour |
½ cup |
| Rice |
¾ cup |
| Chopped onion |
½ cup |
| Finely chopped tomato |
½ cup |
| Green chilli (finely chopped) |
1-2 |
| Oil or ghee |
2-3 t.spoon |
| Salt |
as per taste |
| Black pepper powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Finely chopped coriander leaves |
½ t.spoon |
| Ajwain (carom seed) powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Baking soda |
½ t.spoon |
| Recipe: |
| Soak pearl millet and rice separately in water for 6-7 hours. |
| Grind each into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. |
| Combine the millet and rice paste with wheat flour to create a batter of pouring consistency. |
| Add salt and allow the batter to ferment in a warm place for 4-5 hours. |
| Before cooking, add all the chopped vegetables, spices, and herbs. Add baking soda last and mix well. |
| Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter to make a semi-thick pancake. |
| Cook evenly on both sides using oil or ghee until golden brown. |
| Serve hot with green chutney, yogurt, or any preferred dip. |
| This dish is rich in fibre, iron, and essential nutrients, supports digestive health, and is perfect for those seeking healthy breakfast ideas or nutritious snacks for kids. |
Pearl Millet Khichdi (Hochpoch):
| Ingredients: |
| Pearl millet (bajra) |
½ cup |
| Rice |
¼ cup |
| Pigeon pea splits (toor dal) |
¼ cup |
| Salt |
as per taste |
| Oil |
3 t.spoon |
| Chopped green chillies |
2-3 |
| Asafoetida (hing) |
1 pinch |
| Curry leaves |
1 t.spoon |
| Turmeric powder |
1 t.spoon |
| Cumin powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Coriander powder |
½ t.spoon |
| Chopped coriander leaves |
1 t.spoon |
| Lemon or citron juice |
2 t.spoon |
| Mustard seeds |
1 t.spoon |
| Recipe: |
| Soak pearl millet, rice, and pigeon peas (toor dal) overnight in water. |
| In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida, turmeric, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. |
| Stir in salt, cumin powder, and coriander powder to prepare a flavorful tempering. |
| Mix the soaked millet-rice-dal mixture with the tempering. Cook on medium flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. |
| Transfer to a pressure cooker and cook for 4-5 whistles or until everything is soft and well-cooked. |
| Finish with chopped coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice. Mix and serve hot. |
| This recipe is a complete and balanced meal, rich in fibre, protein, and essential minerals. It's light on the stomach, making it suitable for elders, adults, and children, especially for those seeking nourishing and easy-to-digest meals. |
|
Manuscripts are invited for next Issue at ijapc.com
Features
Herbs and Medicinal Plants
|
