Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year to honor the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a joyous occasion where sisters tie a protective thread called a “rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers give gifts to their sisters. Millets are for everyone. Let’s honor them, too, this Raksha Bandhan.
Food plays a significant role in this festival. This time we have for you millet recipes as it can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Recipes for Festival
Millet Ladoo
Ingredients:
• 1 cup millet flour (any variety of millet flour)
• 1/2 cup jaggery or coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a pan on low heat.
2. Add millet flour and roast it until it turns aromatic and slightly golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. In a separate pan, melt jaggery or coconut sugar with a little water to form a syrup-like consistency.
5. Add the roasted millet flour, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts to the syrup. Mix well.
6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then shape it into small ladoos using greased palms.
7. Let the ladoos cool completely before serving.
Millet Kheer:
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup millet (any variety)
• 4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup jaggery or coconut sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts and raisins for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the millet thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, bring milk to a boil.
3. Add the soaked millet and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the millet is cooked and the kheer thickens (around 25-30 minutes).
4. Add jaggery or coconut sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well until the sweetener dissolves.
5. Remove from heat and let the kheer cool slightly.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins.
7. Serve warm or chilled.
Millet Pancakes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup millet flour (any variety)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Butter or oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine millet flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. In another bowl, mix mashed banana, milk, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until you get a smooth batter.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle and grease it with butter or oil.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
8. Serve the millet pancakes warm with honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruits.
Barbecue Millet Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Ingredients:
• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked millet
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked millet, black beans, barbecue sauce, onions, tomatoes, corn kernels, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.
5. Place the stuffed peppers on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before serving.
Millet Veggie Burger:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cooked millet
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans, mashed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the cooked millet, mashed black beans, chopped onion, grated carrots, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into patties and place them on a greased grill or in a preheated skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the patties are browned and heated through.
5. Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing a millet patty on a bun and adding desired toppings.
7. Serve the barbecue millet veggie burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
Barbecue Millet Skewers:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cooked millet
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, etc.)
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
2. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
4. Thread the cooked millet and mixed vegetables onto the soaked skewers.
5. Place the skewers in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
7. Grill the millet skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining marinade, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
8. Remove from heat and serve the barbecue millet skewers as a tasty appetizer or main dish.
These innovative millet recipes can be a healthy and flavorful addition to your festive meals.
Happy Raksha Bandhan!