It is the International Year of Millets and the world has finally woken up to the nutritional powerhouse that millets are. What the world calls “super food” has been a part of our country’s cuisine for centuries. In fact, techniques like slow cooking in Indian cuisine were adopted to suit the style of cooking millets. So, let us go back to our roots and explore how we can include millets in our day-to-day cooking. Here are 7 breakfast dishes that we regularly eat, which can easily be cooked with millets.
Ragi Dosa:
Recipe - Hebbars Kitchen
Let us first talk about a universal favourite breakfast dish – dosa. This dish can be made and customised as per preference and your diet. Ragi, or finger millet, is a nutritious powerhouse and a fantastic base for dosas. These ragi dosas are not only delicious but also gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients. You can make plain or masala dosas, stuffed with potatoes. Serve them with coconut chutney and sambar for a wholesome breakfast that provides long-lasting energy.
Little Millet Pongal:
Little millet, also known as kutki or samai, can be used to create a satisfying pongal just by swapping the rice. This wholesome dish blends cooked millet and a little moong dal with a tadka of black peppercorns, green chillies, cumin, curry leaves and ghee. A wholesome breakfast dish, samai pongal can be you go-to morning meal.
Jowar Paratha:
Recipe - Meghna's Food Magic
Some of us just want to stick to our parathe for a satisfying breakfast. Jowar, or sorghum, can be used to make our favourite parathas very healthy. These gluten-free flatbreads can be plain and eaten along with dal or a light sabji. The parathas can also be stuffed with fillings like mashed potatoes or mixed vegetables. Served with yoghurt and pickles, jowar parathas are a filling and balanced morning meal.
Foxtail Millet Upma:
Who does not like a bowl of flavoursome bowl of upma for breakfast? In this version of the dish, we replace semolina with millet! Foxtail millet or kangni is a versatile grain that can be transformed into many wonderful dishes, including a delicious upma. Sauteed with vegetables, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, this dish is a nutrient-rich option that is easy on the tummy too. It's a great way to start your day with a healthy, well-rounded dish.
Kodo Millet Porridge:
In the chilly winter mornings, all you want to have is a hot bowl of porridge. Kodo millet porridge gives you that option with the goodness of millets. Cooked to perfection and flavoured with cardamom and jaggery, it's a sweet and satisfying dish that also offers a healthy dose of fibre. Garnish with nuts and raisins for an extra touch of indulgence. For a savoury option, cook with ghee, veggies like peas, carrots, tomato and onion along with cumin, coriander and a little black pepper powder.
Barnyard Millet Idli:
Recipe - Bhusanur.cooking
Idli is one of the most popular breakfast options. Making it with millet creates a South Indian classic reimagined with a healthy twist. The millets, along with urad dal, are ground into a batter, fermented, and then steamed to create fluffy and nutritious idlis. Serve with sambar and coconut chutney or peanut chutney for a well-rounded breakfast meal.
Bajra Pancakes:
We all love pancakes, don’t we? What if there is a way to make them super healthy without compromising on the taste? Bajra, when ground into flour, can be used to make delicious and wholesome pancakes. These pancakes can be customised with toppings like fresh fruits, honey, or yogurt. They are a guilt-free option for those who love their breakfast sweet and nutritious.