Know about Millets:

Based on their nutritional value grains are classified as positive, neutral, or negative in nature. Millets constitute Positive or Neutral grains. 

Being highly nutritious these five millets Kodo Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Browntop Millet, and Little Millet are considered positive millets or grains.

With their miracle effect on well-being, these SUPER FIVE MILLETS are known as 'Siri Dhanya' millets or Miracles Millets.

Barnyard Millet

            Barnyard millet is also known as Sanwa in Hindi, Shyama in Bengali, moraiyo in Gujarati, oodalu in Kannada, kuthiraivolly in Tamil, and udalu in Telugu. Since it tastes like broken rice when cooked, barnyard millet provides a high-fibre substitute for rice and thus supports weight loss. The food prepared with barnyard millet is easy to digest and gives strength, and therefore has been traditionally used in North India during fasting. It is gluten-free, low in glycemic index, a good source of highly digestible protein, and rich in dietary fiber. These properties make it a good food for people with diabetes. In addition, barnyard millet is also a good source of iron.

 Why Switch to Millets?

            Gluten Free : Being Gluten Free, Millets can be consumed by those who are allergic to gluten (or Wheat) or are adopting gluten free lifestyle.

            Low Glycemic Index : Millets have Low Glycemic Value, which means they tend to release sugar slowly and gradually, making it beneficial for diabetic people and helps weight management.

            Naturally Organic : Unline Rice and Wheat, Millets are grown without using any kind of preservatives and pesticides and hence millets are organically in nature

            Supports Nature : Millets require least amount on water, and can be grown easily in any kind of weather condition. Also Millet produce ripe in 45 to 90 days.

            Health Benefits : Millets have enormous health benefits. They have medicinal properties. By eating them regularly for 6 months to 2 years everybody can get rid of their diseases.

Benefits of Barnyard Millet:

            Helps Manage Diabetes :  Barnyard millet intake is found to reduce fasting blood glucose level & promotes significant increase in serum insulin , benefiting diabetic patients.

            Purifies Blood : Barnyard Millet helps in purifying the blood and efficient functioning of bone marrow and helps to get rid of kidney problems.

            Good For Liver : Barnyard Millets helps in cleaning up liver and gallbladder. It also helps in reducing jaundice and strengthening liver function.

Ways to Use Millets in your Diet:

            Millet Dalia : Millet khichdi is a one pot gluten-free meal made with millets, moong dal, spices and mixed vegetables. This millet khichdi can be eaten as such without any side or with yogurt or pickle. You can make this on the stove top in a regular pot or in a pressure cooker or instant pot.

            Millet Upma : Barnyard Millet Upma is a wholesome breakfast or dinner dish that can be made with just a few ingredients in less than 30 minutes on a stovetop pot or Instant Pot pressure cooker.

            Millet Dosa : Millet Dosa also known as Kambu Dosai in South India are delicious thin crepes made with millets. Millet Dosas are made with whole grains and are healthy, good in taste and texture. These make a very nutritious with good amount of protein, carbs, minerals and iron.

            Millet Kheer : Millets are not only great ingredients for savoury dishes, but can be used to make yummy desserts as well. Just replace rice with millets and that’s all.

            Millet Idli : Millet Idli vatter can be easily made by replacing rice/rawa with millets, and it is a much healthier option. Batter can be easily prepared in a mixer grinder.  It is one of the best breakfast option in the world.

Barnyard Millet Health Recipes

           BARNYARD MILLET PUDDING / SAMAK CHAWAL KI KHEER

A healthy option of adding barnyard millet to make a dessert for your sweet cravings.The ingredients used are very simple and quick to make as well. Barnyard Millet is also known as Samvat ke Chawal and is popularly used during the Navratri.

Recipe Video Link :

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsJNio2pM3d/

Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 cup barnyard millet
1/4cup sugar
2 cup milk
1/2 tspn cardamom powder
8 to 10 strands of saffron ( and more for garnishing)
½ cup dry fruits ( choice of yours )
1/4 cup soaked chia seeds
Water

Method:
1. Soak millets in water for 30 mins.
2. Cook barnyard millet in milk for 15 mins on low heat.
3. Add Saffron milk , sugar and cardamom powder
4. Cook until the Millet becomes soft and mushy
5. Garnish with chia seeds, almond silver and saffron thread.
6. Enjoy as it is or cool.

The Proper way of cooking Millets

            Washing : Wash the Millets thoroughly in water. The impurities and dirt will rise on the surface. Wash it 2-3 time to keep the millets free from any kind of dirt.

            Soaking : Soak the millets overnight. Since millets are rich in fiber, Soaking helps loosen fiber and ease up cooking time and also makes it easy for the body to absorb.  Minimum time for soaking is 4 hours.

            Cooking : Cook the millets just like normal dalia/upma or check out the various recipes below. Useful tip - Use the same water used for soaking as it is now full of micronutrients.