Time and again, when we are on a healthy diet, we tend to look for healthier alternatives. And flour, being a staple element in our meals, becomes a determining factor of our healthy food intake. While there are so many millets available today, one that can help in your weight loss journey is jowar.
Also known as sorghum, jowar is a healthy millet that can be ground into a flour and added to your breakfast parathas, cheelas, porridge, and more. Jowar comes with several health benefits, one of them being that it is rich in fibre and protein. This not only gives a boost of energy to one’s body but also aids the regeneration of cells. The fibrous property makes it ideal for good digestion and the gluten-free nature is perfect for those following a diet sans gluten.
Loaded with so many nutrients and health benefits, it would probably not be wise to skip this millet in your diet, especially if your aim is to lose weight. Here are a few recipes that you can try at home.
1. Jowar Paratha
The most common and easiest way to fit it into your regular meals is by adding it to your paratha or roti. Instead of whole wheat flour, add jowar ka atta and prepare a nice dough. It might be slightly coarser than the regular atta, but once you roll it out and toss it on the tawa, it would taste delicious. Serve with pickle and low-fat curd.
2. Jowar Cheela
This desi-style pancake is usually made with besan. For a healthier touch, you can mix jowar flour with besan and whip up a semi-thick batter. Add some onions, coriander leaves, and green chillies, and throw in spices like cumin seeds, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well and pour on a pan. Cook on both sides until the edges turn crispy and serve hot with mint chutney.
3. Jowar Upma
A classic South Indian breakfast, upma is a light and healthy treat made with semolina or sooji. Substitute the sooji with jowar flour and roast it in a pot, along with boiled vegetables like peas, potatoes, and onions. Flavour with mustard seeds tossed in ghee and garnish with sev for an additional crunch.
4. Jowar Dosa
Another South Indian breakfast staple is dosa. The crepe is made with rice flour batter but here, jowar ka atta is combined with rice flour to give a crunchy and soft dosa at the same time. Spread on a pan evenly, the dosa is made crispy in and out and folded into half before serving. Pair with coconut chutney and sambar and enjoy.
5. Jowar And Bajra Bhel
Super crunchy and tasty, this healthy bhel doubles up as a breakfast and tea-time snack. Add some jowar and bajra to a bowl. Throw in some corn flakes and crushed roasted papads. Add chopped onions, tomatoes and green chillies. Drizzle mint and tamarind chutney. Garnish with chaat masala, coriander leaves and a dash of lime juice.