Jowar Ambali: A Gluten-free, Healthy Diet

The simplest dishes are the most delicious, one such example that comes to mind is Jowar Ambali. It is a traditional Karnataka-style dish that has been adapted over the years. Jowar Ambali is an ideal combination of both health and taste. The ingredients used are complementary creating an amalgam of flavours and textures. Besides, Jowar Ambali is a millet food that is considered not just among the healthiest foods but is also trending. 

Unique in taste

Jowar Ambali is made with jowar flour, butter milk, ground cumin, and salt. The dish is made spicy by adding mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilis. The addition of chopped onions and garnishing of coriander leaves adds a crunch and flavour, respectively, to the dish. 

Jowar Ambali is easy to make and can be a meal of choice during hectic days. Also, it is consumed during summers or hot days as it beats the heat. 

Health drink

Ambali is a ragi (finger millet) malt drink in Karnataka. Ambali is also made into a porridge. Ragi Ambali is quite popular in Karntaka, and comes in both savoury and sweet versions.   

Health benefits of jowar 

Jowar, also known as sorghum in English, is a grain full of nutrients. Jowar is often used to make rotis and dosas. One of its biggest benefits is that it is gluten-free and aids digestion. It is rich in dietary fibre and is good for those suffering from diabetes and is said to control blood sugar levels . Jowar contains anti-oxidants, which is believed to prevent cancer, and is a good source of magnesium, copper, calcium, and iron. It strenghtens the immune system and is said to be good for bone and tissue health while also being good for the heart.

Here is a simple recipe for Jowar Ambali: 

Ingredients:

• Jowar flour 
• Cumin seeds
• Salt
• Butter milk 
• Half a grated ginger
• 2-3 green chilis
• Mustard seeds
• Curry leaves 
• 1 onion 
• Salt 
• Refined oil
• Coriander leaves  

Method: 

1. Put three tablespoons of jowar flour in a bowl of half cup water, make a paste, and keep for later.
2. Coarsely grind half a teaspoon of cumin seeds, and keep aside.
3. Boil one cup of water in a pan.
4. Add the jowar paste to the boiling water and stir well.
5. Add half a teaspoon of salt and bring to boil.
6. Add the grounded cumin and stir well.
7. Take the mixture off the flame.
8. Add half a cup of buttermilk to the jowar mixture, and mix well.
9. In a pan, heat one teaspoon oil, add one teaspoon mustard seeds, and let it splutter, add a few curry leaves, chopped green chilis, grated ginger, and mix together for a few minutes.
10. Add the above to the jowar mixture, then add chopped onions, and mix well.
11. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.

Jowar Ambali can be served as a light meal for lunch or dinner or as a side dish along with a meal. It can also be served for breakfast.