Millet Upma - Millet Recipe

Video 0f preparation:

Instead of eating rice or wheat all the time, I like to mix up my diet with other grains at least once a week.  Millet is one of my favourite grain.  It not only cooks fast, it is also very tasty.  Millet upma is one of the dishes I make frequently.  It is easy to make and so delicious.   Many Indians eat millet on the days they fast.  Other Indian names for millet is bajra, kambu, varagu. Here is my recipe, I am using foxtail millet.

1/2 cup millet (100g or 3.65 oz)

1 cup water to cook the millet

1 tablespoon oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 cup peanuts (raw or roasted)
2 chopped green chillies 
1" inch piece of ginger chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoon sambar powder( can be substituted with curry powder)
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder
1 cup chopped potato (225g)
1 cup chopped green beans(125g)
1/2 cup chopped carrots(80g)
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
A few curry leaves or cilantro(dhania) leaves
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook the millet and keep it aside.  In a pressure cooker it takes one or two whistles or 10 to 15 minutes.  On the burner it takes about 15 minutes.
To a pan on medium heat with one tablespoon of oil add mustard seeds and wait for it to pop.  When the mustard seeds pop add the peanuts and let it cook for 10 to 15 seconds, next add the chopped ginger and green chillies and let it cook for 10 seconds.  Next, add the turmeric powder and sambar powder mix let it cook for a few seconds and add asafoetida powder after cooking for 10 seconds add the chopped vegetables and peas, add about half cup of water or as needed for the vegetables to cook.  Cook for 10 minutes or so or until the vegetables are cooked.  After the vegetables are cooked add the salt mix, add the curry leaves, and next add the cooked millet, mix and lastly add the lemon juice mix and serve.

Serve with raita or chutney.

Serves 3

Millet Roti - Bajra ki Roti

Ingredients:
1 cup millet flour(bajra)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon oil

Preparation:  To a pan on medium heat add water, salt, and oil.  Let the water come to boil, reduce the heat add the millet flour mix, when the water is absorbed turn the heat off and continue to knead with a spatula for 2 to 3 minutes, after which cover and let the dough to cool.
When the dough is cool to touch knead it a little bit more to make a smooth dough (it helps to grease your hands a little).  Next, start making the rotis

Cover the work surface with parchment paper apply a little bit of flour over the paper.  Take a little of the dough shape it into a round.  Place the dough on the parchment paper cover it with another sheet of parchment paper and gently roll over it to make a round roti.  I do it this way to make the rotis thinner and keep them from breaking while rolling.  Place the rolled roti on a griddle to cook.  Cook on both sides till you see bubbles.  Next transfer it to an open flame on the burner and finish the cooking when you see brown spots on both sides.

Makes 5 to 6 rotis.

Chapati

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon + a few drops of oil

Preparation:  To the whole wheat or chapati flour add the salt and 1 teaspoon of oil and mix the flour to disperse the oil and salt.  Slowly add the water to make a dough.  You might need a little more or a little less water, just add enough to make a soft and pliable dough.
Knead it for a couple of minutes add a couple of drops of oil and cover the dough with the oil and let it rest for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes divide the dough into 6 round parts.  Sprinkle the work surface with some flour and flatten the divided round part and with a rolling pin shape them into thin round disc.

This is now ready for cooking.

To Cook:  Heat a griddle or tava on medium heat.  Place the rolled disc on it and let it cook.  When when air bubbles start showing turn the chapati over to the other side. More bubble will form, remove the chapati from the griddle and using tongs put the chapati on open flame allowing the chapati to fluff up. Use the tongs to flip the chapati to cook the other side and remove.

2nd. method instead of cooking it on the open flame allow the chapati to cook a little longer on the griddle and turn it to the other side. Apply a little ghee or butter or oil on top and again flip it over and apply ghee, butter or oil, remove. Chapati is served with dal, vegetable and raita.

There are versions of chapati all over the world.  This unleavened flat bread made from whole wheat it is a staple in India.

Cracked Wheat Pulao

Ingredients:

1 cup cracked wheat

1 cup chopped cauliflower

1 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup peas

2 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter(can substitute with oil)

4 whole cloves
2, 2 inch size whole cinnamon

3 bay leaves

1/4 cup cashews

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon curry powder(or use sambar powder)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

2 to 2 1/2 cups water or as needed

Preparation:  To a pan on medium heat with 2 tablespoon of ghee, add the whole cloves, cinnamon,  bay leaves and cashews and wait for it to sizzle.  When it starts sizzling add garam masala, curry powder and turmeric powder and saute for 10 seconds.  Add the cauliflower, carrots and peas, stir cover and cook for 5 minutes.
While it is cooking stir it now and then so that it does not stick to the bottom and burn.

After 5 minutes add water, cracked wheat, mix cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cracked wheat is cooked.  When done add salt dissolved in water, mix turn the heat off.

Serves 4

Coconut Rice

For visual instructions click on the picture above:

Ingredients:
1 cup raw brown Basmati rice gives 3 cups cooked rice (or use leftover rice)
2 tablespoon Indian sesame oil (or substitute with any oil)
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoon channa dal
2 teaspoon urad dal
2 green chilies or to taste
2 tablespoon of broken cashews
1 cup grated coconut
1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Preparation: Cook brown Basmati rice with 1 3/4 water in a pressure cooker.
Let the cooked rice cool to room temperature or use leftover rice.

To a pan on medium heat with oil, add mustard seeds, channa dal and urad dal.  When the mustard seeds pop add the green chilies, cashews and grated coconut, saute until the coconut has turned brown and the smell of roasted coconut is given out.  Add the cooked rice mix, add salt mix thoroughly and serve. Serves 4 to 6.

This is a great way to use up leftover rice.  This Tamil recipe is made to celebrate the festival of Pongal which occurs in the middle of January.  The flavor of roasted coconut enhances the flavor of plain rice.

Lemon Rice

For Instructions click on the picture above:

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked rice (1 cup raw basmati rice)
3 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
2 teaspoon of channa dal
2 teaspoon of urad dal
1 cup shredded carrots
4 dry red chili or according to taste
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice or to taste
Few curry leaves fresh or dry optional

Preparation: Heat oil in a pan add mustard seeds urad dal, channa dal, when the mustard seeds pop add the shredded carrots and curry leaves and saute and cook for a minute add the peanuts, turmeric powder and asafoetida mix add cooked rice, mix, add salt mix, turn the heat off add lemon juice and serve.  

Serves 4 to 6.

Tangy and salty, some folks crave for this dish.  It is a great way to use up leftover rice.  It takes only a few minutes to make.

Buckwheat Flour Vada

Ingredients:
1 cup buckwheat flour also called kuttu ki atta (135gm)
1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds (also called carom seed)
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 chopped green chili or to taste
A few chopped cilantro leaves (hara dhania or use curry leaves)
2 tablespoon shredded carrot

Preparation:
To the buckwheat flour add ajwain seeds, cumin seeds and salt, mix and slowly add milk at room temperature and mix thoroughly remove the lumps.  After the lumps have been removed add the green chili, cilantro leaves and shredded carrots and mix.  Set aside for five minutes.

Heat a pan with oil on medium heat.  Test to see if the oil is hot enough by dropping a little bit of batter into the oil, if the batter floats up right away it is hot enough, you can start making the vadas.

To make to vadas drop a scoop of batter gently into the hot oil and let it cook for a few minutes after which turn it and let it cook on the other side.  The oil should be at medium heat, if it is too hot the outside of the vadas will be overcooked and the inside will be raw.  Cook on medium heat until the sizzling has come down at which point it can be removed from the oil.

Serve warm with yogurt or chutney.  Serves 4.

Quinoa and Bell Pepper

1 cup quinoa
2 cups chopped bell peppers (assorted colors)
1 bunch green onion
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cups or enough water to cook the quinoa
1/2 teaspoon of salt or to taste dissolved in a little water

Heat a pan with 2 cups of water, add the washed quinoa to it and cook it until it is done.  Takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking prepare the vegetables.

Use half of three bell peppers of different colors.  Wash and chop them into same size to yield 2 cups.

Wash and chop the green onions.

Heat a pan with 3 tablespoon of oil.  Add the cumin seeds and wait for it to sizzle.  When the cumin seeds sizzle add the chopped green onions and saute it until it starts to turn brown.  Add the chopped green peppers cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the green peppers are some what cooked but retain some crunchiness.  Add the cooked quinoa, mix,  add salt to taste dissolved in some water.  Mix and serve.

Serves 4.

Bisi Bele Bath made with Steel Cut Oats

1 cup Toor dal  wash and cook in 3 cups of water.  While the dal is cooking, prepare the spices.

Spices for grinding:
1/4 cup coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

While the dal is cooking, first roast the coriander seeds, black pepper, fenugreek seeds in a little bit of sesame oil until a wonderful aroma is give out, do not allow it to burn, when done keep it aside.

5 cloves
4 1" stick cinnamon
5 whole red chili or to taste

Next roast the cloves, cinnamon and red chili in little bit of sesame oil or til oil till it darkens and a nice aroma is given out, do not allow it to burn.  Add it to the above roasted ingredients. 

Add 1/2 cup shredded dry coconut (can substitute with fresh shredded coconut) to the roasted ingredients.

Grind all of the roasted ingredients with the coconut and some water to a smooth paste.

Other ingredients:

1 cup steel cut oats
3 cups water or enough for preparation
1 cup each of chopped butternut squash, chayote squash and carrot (total 3 cups)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 1/2 tablespoon tamarind concentrate
a pinch of asafoetida
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 tablespoon jaggery


When the dal is about ninety percent cooked takes about 35 to 40 minutes add the vegetables and oats and cook for 20 minutes or until the vegetables and oats are cooked.  Next add the ground spices paste, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt and jaggery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until all is mixed and done

For tempering
1 tablespoon sesame oil or til oil (or use ghee)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoon channa dal
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1/4 cup of clarified butter or ghee

Heat the sesame oil, add mustard seeds, channa dal and fenugreek seeds.
When the mustard seed pop add it to the bisi bele.  Slightly roast the peanuts add it to the bisi bele mix, add the clarified butter to the bisi bele mix and serve.  Serves 6

Serve as a main item with with pachadi, any curry and chips.

Originally from the State of Karnataka, this is a very popular gourmet dish that is served at parties and big events.  It is made with rice instead of steel cut oats.

Karadaiyan Nombu Adai

1/4 cup of black eyed peas lightly roasted, cooked and divided into two.
2 cups rice powder lightly roasted and divided into two

To make Jaggery Adai:
1 cup jaggery (also called vellum or gud)
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup coconut bits
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Boil water add jaggery and cook until the jaggery has melted.  Add the coconut bits, and half of the cooked black eyed peas, and let the water come to a rolling boil.  Add the cardamom powder and half of the rice powder(or 1 cup) mix thoroughly, remove the rice powder lumps, cover and let it cool.
Depending on the size makes 10 to 12 adais.


To make Salt adai:
2 cups water
3 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoon urad dal
a pinch of asafoetida
2 green chili or to taste
A few curry leaves
1/4 cup coconut bits
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

To a pan on medium heat.  Add 3 tablespoon of oil, mustard seeds and urad dal.  When the mustard seeds pop add a pinch of asafoetida, saute, add the green chili and curry leaves.  Saute for a few seconds add water and coconut bits and let it come to a boil.  When the water comes to a rolling boil add salt, and the other half of the rice powder(or 1 cup).  Mix thoroughly, remove the rice powder lumps.  Cover and let it cool.  Depending on the size makes 10 to 12 adais.


To assemble the adai's:
When the dough is cool, take some dough roll them into a ball, then flatten them into a disc the size of your palm and make a hole in the center.  Arrange them in a microwave steamer and microwave for a total 6 minutes.  After first three minutes of microwaving turn them around and microwave for rest of the 3 minutes.  When a knife inserted comes out clean it is done.  The time it take to microwave depends on the power of your own microwave.  These adais can also be cooked in a pressure cooker without the weight on top, or in a steamer.


Karadaiyan Nombu is a religious occasion observed by Tamilians.  It occurs when the month of Massi before it ends, and before the beginning of the month of Pnaguni.  This occasion happen roughly at around the middle of March of the international calender.  It is observed by married women and young girls.  They pray to Goddess Gowri to give a long life to their husband's, young girls pray for a good husband.

Quinoa, Buckwheat and Millet Pilaf

1/3 cup whole buckwheat rinsed and drained in water
1/3 cup millet rinsed and drained in water
1/3 cup Quinoa rinsed and drained in water ( use cracked wheat to substitute)
3/4 cup frozen peas or use your choice of vegetables (beans, carrots, cauliflower)
2 to 2 1/2 cups water or as needed, or use vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 two inch long cinnmon sticks
3 tablespoon oil

Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.  Add cumin seeds and cinnamon.  When the cumin seeds turn brown add the buckwheat, millet and quinoa,  saute for a couple of minutes,  add the frozen peas or vegetables.  Saute for 30 seconds, add water and cook till the grains are done.  While it is cooking keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally so that the bottom does not burn.  When the grains are done they will become clear.  Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.

I like to make this dish for people who like alternatives to rice and wheat.  This is very filling.  Quick and easy to make.  It uses very few ingredients.

The millet and buckwheat tend to get rancid very easily.  I buy them in small quantities and store them in the refrigerator.

Quinoa and Black Beans Patties

click on arrow to watch video:

Ingredients: 
1 can black beans rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked quinoa (if you are planning to cook the quinoa 1/4 cup raw quinoa yields approximately 1 cup cooked)
1/2 cup loosely chopped parsley with stalks removed
1/2 cup loosely chopped basil with stalks removed
1/2 cup loosely chopped rosemary with stalks removed
Note the herbs - basil, parsley and rosemary can be substituted with Italian seasoning approximately 2 teaspoon

3 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cup chopped tomato
salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Preparation:
Heat a pan on medium heat with 3 tablespoon of oil.  When the oil is warm add fennel seeds.  When the fennel seeds darken add the chopped tomato, mix add the chopped herbs, mix, cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.  After the tomato is cooked add the rinsed and drained black beans, quinoa, add salt and black pepper and mix, add bread crumbs, mix nicely allow it to cool before making patties.  Makes 6 patties.

Heat a skillet with a little oil and fry the patties on both sides until brown.

Serve on a bun with vegan mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce or serve with your choice of ingredients. 

Green Mango Puliogare

Click on arrow to watch video:

3 cups cooked rice
1 cup chopped green mango with skin removed
2 teaspoon channa dal
1 teaspoon urad dal
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 red chili or to taste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
2 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
a few curry leaves

Heat oil in a pan.  Add channa dal and urad dal, when the dal turns brown add mustard seeds and red chili when the mustard seeds splutters add green chopped green mangoes with a little water and cook covered till the mango is cooked.  Add turmeric powder, asafoetida, peanuts curry leaves saute add rice mix cook for a few seconds and turn the heat off.
Green mangoes are available in plenty over the summer.  This is a good way to use it and left over rice.  
This is a tangy interesting dish, made in a jiffy.  Serve with pachadi.

Quinoa with yogurt and Fresh Fruits

3 cups cooked Quinoa
1 cup chopped melon
1 cup watermelon
1 cup melon
2 cups yogurt
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix all of the above and serve.  
Any fruits in any proportion can used to make this dish. Enjoy with cucumber, pomegranates, apple any choice any combination. Add some nuts if you like.

This is a wonderfully colorful and healthy dish. Kids will love it. Enjoy!

Ven Pongal

1 cup of rice
1/3 cup of mung dal
2 1/2 cups of water
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
3 tablespoon of clarified butter or substitute with oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1 tablespoon of chopped ginger
1/4 cup of cashew nuts
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
a few curry leaves optional

Wash and soak the mung dal in hot water one hour before cooking.  In a pan on medium heat add the soaked mung dal and washed rice and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice and mung dal are cooked.  Add, 1 teaspoon of salt and mix.

Separately in another pan heat 3 tablespoon of clarified butter.  When the clarified butter is hot  add cumin seeds, when the cumin seed sizzles add black pepper followed by cashew nuts chopped ginger, asafoetida.  Turn the heat off and the seasoning to the cooked rice and mung dal.  Add a few optional curry leaves and mix

Home made White Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups Bread flour

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon rapid rise yeast
3 tablespoon of melted butter
1 1/4 cups of milk at room temperature can substitute with water

Preparation:  In a bowl with 3 cups of bread flour add salt and mix.

Separately to the milk add sugar and yeast mix and set it aside until it has started to ferment.  Takes about 15 to 20 minutes.  

Make a well in center of the flour add the fermented yeast and start forming a dough.  Once the dough is formed knead it for at least 10 to 15 minutes.  Pull the sides together and with the seams down place it in a loaf pan.  Press the dough in the pan till it fills it up.

Cover it and let it rise in a warm place or in the oven with the light on but power off until it has doubled.  It takes about an hour or so.  Give it enough time to rise.  To make a good bread the yeast needs time to do its work.
   
Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Place the bread in the middle rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until it is done. Remove and let it cool before removing it from the pan and slicing.  

You can make hot home made bread at home faster than you ever thought.  The texture is just superb.  The aroma is out of this world.  Anyone can make it.

Bread should double during the first rising, if it does not then it may be due to temperature, humidity or barometric pressure.  Keep the dough covered during rising.  Keep it in a warm place where there is no draft.  Kneading is important to form gluten.


Note:  Baking is tricky.  Use this recipe as a reference only and adjust it to the area you are living.  The ingredients will be different in your area.

Quinoa with Sprouted Mung

3/4 cup quinoa
3/4 cup sprouted mung (already spouted mung are available at the grocers)
1 1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon clarified butter
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black pepper crushed
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
a few curry leaves optional

Wash and cook quinoa in water, takes about 15 minutes, add sprouted mung and cook for an additional 2 minutes or so until the excess water has evaporated.  Add 1 teaspoon of salt mix and turn the heat off set aside for seasoning.

Heat a pan with 3 tablespoon of clarified butter, when the oil is hot add cumin seed and crushed black pepper, when the cumin turns brown add roasted peanuts, ginger and optional curry leaves saute for a few seconds add to the cooked quinoa and sprouted mung.  Serves 2.

For one of my rice recipes I have replaced rice for quinoa in this dish.  Serve with yogurt or chutney this is an absolute fantastic.

Lemon Rice

3 cups cooked rice
3 tablespoon oil
2 tablespoon of channa dal
1 teaspoon of urad dal
1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
dry red chili according to taste
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 cup of roasted peanuts
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Few curry leaves fresh or dry optional

Heat oil in a pan add channa dal, urad dal, when it turns brown add mustard seeds, red chili when mustard seeds crackle add asafoetida, turmeric powder, roasted peanuts, curry leaves, mix add cooked rice, and heat till the rice is evenly hot, add salt mix, lemon juice and turn the heat off.  

Tangy and salty, some folks crave for this dish.  It is a great way to use up leftover rice.  It takes only a few minutes to make.

Quinoa Kichadi

1/2 cup of Quinoa
1/4 cup of moong dal
2 cups of mixed vegetables
1/4 cup of frozen peas
8 cloves
2" stick of cinnamon
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 tablespoon of chopped ginger
1 teaspoon of green chili or to taste
1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida
3 tablespoon of oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Enough water for preparation

Boil one cup of water to it add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaves.  Turn the heat off and let it come to room temperature.  When it is cool strain it with a tea strainer.  Discard the spice but keep the spice water.

Wash the quinoa and moong dal together and keep it aside.

Place a pan on medium heat with 3 tablespoon of oil.  When the oil is hot add cumin seed, after the cumin seeds sizzle add ginger and green chili, saute for about 30 seconds add turmeric powder, paprika, stir, add mixed vegetables and frozen peas, stir and add asafoetida and the spice water and let it cook covered for five minutes.  Keep it aside.

Take another pan with 2 cups of water on medium heat, add the washed quinoa and moong dal to it and let it cook for 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes add salt and the cooked mixed vegetables to the quinoa-moong dal and cook till the water has evaporated - takes about 5 minutes.  

Serves 4.  Serve with raita or chutney.

Wonderful healthy Quinoa.  It is actually a seed which is eaten as a grain.  It has now become very popular in United States.  It has a nutty flavor and is easy to cook.  I use my rice recipes to make quinoa dishes it works out perfect.

Quinoa Upma

1/2 cup Quinoa
1 cup water
2 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon channa dal
1 teaspoon urad dal
1/2 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 teaspoon chopped green chili or to taste
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 cup chopped almonds (optional)

Wash and cook the quinoa in 1 cup of water.  It takes about 15 minutes to cook.  Keep it aside.

For Seasoning heat a pan with 2 tablespoon of oil.  When it is hot add channa dal, urad dal, when the dal turns brown add mustard seeds, when the mustard seeds crackles add ginger, green chilies, saute for a minute add about 2 tablespoon of water and the frozen vegetables cover and cook for five minutes.
Remove cover add salt mix and slowly mix the cooked quinoa.  
Serves 2.

Serve with chutney, raita or aviyal.  Quinoa is a native to south America.  It is high in protein and eaten as a staple.  This recipe compliments Quinoa beautifully.