From dosa to vermicelli: 4 millet-based breakfast recipes to try today

If you’re looking to add some healthy variety to your breakfast routine, look no further than the world of millets. Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the health food world for their many nutritional benefits. In this specialty, I’ve found that millet works really well with almost every South Indian breakfast staple – dishes like dosa or idli can be spruced up by adding millet. While millets are definitely a healthy option, I would recommend adding them to your diet and not completely replacing ingredients like rice that have probably been a mainstay of your diet for generations. So, grab your apron and get ready to explore the world of millet with these four mouth-watering breakfast recipes that are sure to become your new favourite!

Here are 4 millet-based breakfast recipes to try today:

1. Vargu Dosai | Kodo Millet Dosa Recipe

Varagu dosai is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from kodo millet. Originating from Tamil Nadu, this dosa is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with a rich flavour. It is a healthy alternative to regular dosa, as kodo millet is rich in nutrients and has a low glycemic index. The batter is made by soaking bajra and urad dal overnight and then grinding it to a smooth consistency. It is then fermented and cooked on a hot griddle. Enjoy with coconut chutney and sambar for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Component:

• 2 cups – Varagu Arisi (Kodo Millet)
• 1/2 cup – urad dal
• 1/2 tbsp – fenugreek seeds
• 2 tbsp – Sesame oil / ghee
• salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash bajra separately and soak urad dal along with fenugreek seeds in separate water in another vessel for 2 hours.
2. Make a smooth paste by mixing urad dal and fenugreek seeds with required amount of water. Take it out in a bowl; Keep it aside.
3. Grind the millet to a smooth consistency. Mix both the sets of batter in a single bowl and let it ferment overnight.
4. Add required salt and water and bring the batter to the consistency of dosa batter.
5. Cook as you would a regular dosa by spreading the batter on a tawa and drizzling oil (optional). Cook on both the sides till fully cooked.
6. Works equally well with your favorite type of chutney or sambar.

(Also Read: More on Millet Rice for Weight Loss: How to Make Millet Rice,

2. Thinai (Foxtail) Kesari – Recipe

Thinai Kesari is a traditional South Indian sweet made from foxtail millet. Its texture is light and fluffy, with a delicate sweetness that comes from the use of jaggery and cardamom. This recipe is a healthy twist on the classic semolina-based kesari, as foxtail millet is a good source of protein and fibre. With its nutty and slightly earthy flavour, thinnai kesari is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and at the same time include more millets in your diet.

Component

• 1/2 cup thinai (foxtail millet)
• 1/2 cup sugar (or jaggery powder)
• 3 cups water
• 4 tbsp ghee (you can use a little less if you prefer a healthier version)
• 2 tbsp cashews and raisins
• 1 cardamom ground
• 4-5 saffron threads

Method:

1. Fry the thinai on a low flame with a little ghee till you get the aroma and it is done. let it cool
2. Transfer to a blender and grind till it reaches a thick consistency like rava.
3. Roast cashew nuts and raisins in ghee and keep them aside.
4. Add thinai to the same pan on low heat; Add hot water and keep stirring to ensure that no lumps are formed.
5. Add saffron and keep stirring on low flame till the thinai gets cooked like saffron.
6. Add sugar/jaggery and crushed cardamom. mix well. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.
7. Add roasted nuts and raisins before serving.

(Also Read: Millets For Stronger Bones: Here Are 5 Ways You Can Include The Millet In Your Diet,

_{Yes, semiya can also be made from ragi. photo credit: ndtv beeps}

3. Ragi Semiya | Ragi Sevai (Finger Millet Semiya) Recipe

Ragi semiya, also known as ragi sevai, is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from ragi flour. Ragi flour is mixed with water and shaped into thin noodles, which are then cooked with vegetables and spices to make a delicious and satisfying dish. Ragi is a nutritious grain that is high in protein and fiber, making it an excellent option for a healthy breakfast. This dish has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that is complemented by the flavors of the vegetables and spices, making it a delicious and nutritious way to start your day.

Component:

• 2 cups ragi vermicelli
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tbsp chana dal
• salt as required
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Method

1. Soak the ragi vermicelli in hot water for 2-3 minutes. drain the water completely; Steam for 5 minutes.

2. Saute mustard seeds, chana dal, curry leaves, green chillies and ginger, then add onions and fry for a minute. Now add boiled vermicelli and salt; mix well. Cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

4. Kuthiravalli (Barnyard Millet) Upma Recipe

Recipe Courtesy – Vijay Kumar, Master Chef, Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park

Kuthiravalli Upma is one of the most popular South Indian breakfast dishes made using Barnyard Millet. Originating from the state of Tamil Nadu, this dish is known for its nutritious and gluten-free nature. Millets are cooked with spices, onions and vegetables to make a hearty and tasty breakfast option. The texture is similar to sooji upma but has a slightly nuttier flavor and a chewier texture. It is a filling and healthy breakfast which is perfect for those who want to start their day with a nutritious meal.

Component:

• Barnyard Millet – 150 grams
• Onion – 60 grams
• Coconut oil – 20 ml (or as required)
• Mustard seeds – 5 grams
• Urad Dal – 5 grams
• Chana Dal – 5 grams
• Green chili – 5 grams
• Ginger – 5 grams
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig
• salt to taste
• Carrot – 15 grams
• Beans – 15 grams

Method:

1. Wash the millet once or twice and drain the water completely.
2. Apply tempering of mustard, urad dal, chana dal and curry leaves.
3. Add onions, green chillies and ginger. Fry till the onion becomes transparent.
4. Add vegetables and fry on low flame for 2 minutes.
5. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil and add millet. mix well.
6. Cook on a slow flame for 8 to 10 minutes or till the water dries up completely.

Including millets in your diet can be a healthy way to start the day. Explore the world of millets with these mouth-watering breakfast recipes and share your experiences with us in the comment section.