Once staple traditional crops, millets lost ground rapidly to wheat, rice and maize that have ruled the world and our plates for over a century now. But with the United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, all eyes are once again on these humble but healthy food grains. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the negative impacts of climate change, millets are gaining ground rapidly as must-have ‘super foods.’
Priya, India’s favourite and trusted food brand, can always be trusted upon to serve up the traditional and healthy with a contemporary ‘universal appeal’ twist! The millet options from their repertoire are well on their way to reigning palates and hearts alike
In keeping with the spirit of the year, Priya Foods recently organised a recipe contest centred around millets, which was a grand success, attracting entries from Priya’s fans across the country. Here are two of the prize-winning recipes, so that more people can try it for themselves and benefit from the wholesome goodness of millets, and the diverse ways in which they can make meals delicious and healthy!
But before that, here are some essential facts about millets. They are a rich source of micronutrients, fibre, proteins and antioxidants. When you break it down, millets certainly pack a solid punch - they contain 7%-12% protein, 2%-5% fat, 65%-75% carbohydrates and 15%-20% dietary fibre. What’s more, they are gluten-free and have zero cholesterol!
Here is Suman Agrawal’s prize-winning recipe of Ragi flour waffles. Ragi flour is rich in iron and calcium.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Ragi flour
- 1/8 cup Semolina
- 1/8 cup Whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup Curd
- 1 pinch Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp Ginger crushed
- 1 Green chilli chopped
- 1 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped
- Salt to taste
- Butter for brushing
- Grated cheese
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Preparation:
Mix together ragi, semolina, whole wheat flour, salt, pepper, green chillies, ginger, and coriander leaves.
- Add in the curd while giving it a good mix.
- Add water to get a thick consistency batter.
- Keep the batter aside for about 15 minutes.
- Then add the baking soda to the batter and mix well.
- Pre-heat the waffle iron.
- Brush some butter on the waffle iron and pour some batter into it. Close the iron and cook
- For 7 to 8 minutes or till it cooks completely.
- Remove and place it on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese and finely chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve with a sauce and salad for enhanced yumminess!
Another prize-winner, Bindiya Foodie, shares her mother’s special recipe for a tasty Pearl Millet / Bajra Burfi.
Ingredients:
1 cup Pearl Millet Flour
1 1/2 cup Sesame Seeds
1 tsp Cardamom 2 tbsp Ghee
1 1/2 cup Jaggery
1/4 cup Peanuts 1 tbsp Pistachios
Preparation:
- Add sesame seeds in a medium heated pan and roast it on medium flame while stirring continuously. When it becomes light brown, take it out in a bowl and cool it.
- Grind half of the roasted sesame seeds and 7-8 peeled cardamoms in the mixer jar.
- Melt ghee in the same pan, and add the millet flour to it. Roast it on low-medium flame while stirring continuously. When ghee separates, take it out and transfer to a bowl.
- Now pour some more ghee into the same pan, add jaggery and 2 tbsp of water. Cook it on a low flame till the jaggery dissolves and starts to foam
- After the jaggery is cooked well, add the roasted millet flour and cook on a low flame, stirring continuously. Then add the ground sesame-cardamom powder and whole sesame seeds to it, and mix well. Turn off the flame when it is well mixed.
- Grease a tray with ghee, pour the mixture into it and spread it evenly. Place some peanuts and pistachio on it and flatten with a spoon. Leave it to solidify for half an hour. Then cut it in your desired size and shape
So whether its waffles for breakfast, or a delectable sweet treat, Priya Foods shows you the imaginative and endless ways in which millets can be transformed into the most delicious and nutritious meals in minutes! Why wait…try them now!!