Mumbai: If you believe your dietary choices impact only your health, it’s time to reconsider. The ripple effects of our food consumption extend far beyond our plates, influencing critical global issues such as climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. Our eating habits shape market demands, prompting extensive agricultural practices that can strain natural resources.
However, there’s a sustainable alternative that benefits our health and the environment, millets, says Mr Ajay Kangralkar, Founder of SkyRoots Ventures LLP. These humble grains are remarkably resilient, thriving in arid conditions with minimal water and nutrient-poor soils. Moreover, they are nutritional powerhouses, rich in fibre, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Unlike conventional staples like rice and wheat, which are resource-intensive, millets offer a more eco-friendly option. They require less water, fewer chemical inputs, and contribute to soil health, making them a sustainable choice for agriculture.
Incorporating millets into our diets is a simple yet effective step toward environmental conservation. Their low glycemic index and high complex carbohydrate content make them beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, offering a healthful alternative to traditional grains. As more urban families rediscover traditional foods, embracing millets can be a delicious and responsible choice.
To support this shift, consider exploring millet-based recipes that are both tasty and nutritious. By making mindful food choices, we can collectively contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
From breakfast to dinner, millets can be incorporated into various dishes, offering both taste and nutrition. This article delves into a selection of millet-based recipes suitable for every meal. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a hearty Foxtail Millet Upma, enjoy a comforting Bajra Khichdi for lunch, or indulge in Ragi Chocolate Pancakes for dessert, there’s a millet recipe to satisfy every palate.
Millet Recipes
Here are 3 millet recipes by Skyroot:
1. Foxtail Millet Upma
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
• ½ cup foxtail millet
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard seeds, curry leaves, salt, turmeric
• Vegetables: carrot, beans, peas (chopped)
• 1½ cups water
Foxtail Millet Upma
Method:
Rinse millet and soak in water for 15 minutes. Heat the pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Stir till they turn brown. Add finely sliced onions and green chillies and sauté the whole thing. Add the soaked millet and water. Season with salt and turmeric. Cover it and let it cook until the water is fully absorbed and the millet turns gooey like regular Upma. Serve hot.
2. Ragi Chocolate Pancakes
(SmartKal-style breakfast)
Ragi Chocolate Pancakes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup ragi flour
• 1 mashed banana
• 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp jaggery
• ½ cup milk
• Pinch of baking soda
Method:
Mix all the ingredients into a smooth batter. Put the pan on the heat and pour a ladleful of batter. Cook the pancake on both sides until it’s fluffy. Serve with honey and fruits. A SmartKal (Smart Calorie) meal it’s perfect for kids and adults alike!
3. Bajra Khichdi
(Pearl Millet Comfort Bowl)
Ingredients:
• Soak ½ cup bajra overnight
• Take ¼ cup split moong dal
• 1 small potato, 1 tomato (chopped)
• Cumin, ginger, green chilli, turmeric (according to your taste)
• Salt to taste, 2½ cups water
Method:
Heat a pressure cooker, sauté cumin seeds, shredded ginger, and finely cut chillies. Add the vegetables, soaked bajra, and moong dal. Add turmeric, salt, and water. Pressure cook for 4–5 whistles.
The resultant Bajra Khichdi is best enjoyed with curd, pickle and pappad.
When you choose millets, you feed yourself with nutrition and do the same to Mother Earth. Millets mean sustenance for everyone everywhere.
Embracing millets in your daily meals is a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Their rich nutritional profile, combined with their adaptability in various recipes, makes them an excellent choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits.
As we continue to explore and appreciate traditional foods, millets stand out as a testament to the wisdom of our ancestors. Incorporating them into our modern diets not only honours our culinary heritage but also paves the way for a more nutritious future.
Millets are making a comeback in Indian kitchens, offering a blend of tradition and health. Dive into a collection of millet-based recipes that cater to every meal, ensuring taste without compromising on nutrition. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
