Millets: The Ideal Food for Fasting
Fasting often makes you wonder, "What can I eat to stay full and get all the important nutrients?" Unlike other options like vegetables, fruits, and dry fruits, which might only give you vitamins or make you feel full, millets can do both!
Why Millets Are Great for Fasting
Millets are tiny seeds with a lot of nutrition. Here's what makes them perfect for fasting:
Allowed During Fasting: Unlike some grains like wheat or rice that are restricted during fasting, millets are considered okay to eat because they are different (they don't contain gluten and are sometimes classified as pseudocereals).
Packed with Nutrients: They are full of essential nutrients like carbs, fiber, protein, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. This keeps you energized and healthy during your fast.
Stay Feeling Full: Millets are high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full for a longer time, helping you manage hunger pangs while fasting.
Easy to Digest: Millets are generally easy to digest, which is good for your gut and helps prevent discomfort that other foods might cause during fasting.
Gluten-Free: Perfect for people who are sensitive to gluten or follow gluten-free diets.
Barnyard Rice: A Favorite Fasting Food
Barnyard rice, also called Samak or Samvat rice, is a popular grain eaten during fasts in many cultures and religions. It has all the benefits listed above and is especially liked because of its:
Mild and Earthy Taste: It has a pleasant taste that goes well with many fasting-friendly dishes.
Versatile: Barnyard rice can be cooked in many ways, from a simple grain to flavorful pulao or khichdi.
Looking to Try Millets?
Millets are a delicious and nutritious way to approach fasting. Stay tuned for our next blog post where we'll share easy and yummy millet recipes perfect for breakfast, lunch, and even snacks during your fast!
Unleash the Delicious Potential of Barnyard Millet: Easy & Healthy Food for Fasting
While barnyard millet recipes abound online, we've curated a selection that's both flavorful and nutritious, along with being incredibly simple to prepare. Here are some gems to get you started:
1. Hearty Samvat/Samak Rice Khichdi:
This protein-packed khichdi is perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
1 cup barnyard rice (Samvat rice)
½ cup split green gram (moong dal)
1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp grated ginger
1 green chili, slit
Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
Water (as needed)
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse and soak the barnyard rice and moong dal together for 15-20 minutes.
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for a minute.
Add the soaked rice and dal mixture with salt. Stir well.
Pour in enough water (around 2 cups) to achieve your desired consistency.
Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles, or until the rice and dal are cooked through.
Once the pressure releases, open the cooker and fluff the khichdi with a fork.
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
2. Flavorful Sama Rice Pulao:
This fragrant pulao offers a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
Ingredients:
1 cup barnyard rice (Samvat rice)
1 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
½ cup chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.)
Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
Water (as needed)
Chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse and soak the barnyard rice for 15-20 minutes.
Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for a minute.
Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until slightly tender.
Drain the rice and add it to the pan. Mix well to coat the rice with spices.
Add salt and enough water (about 2 cups) to cook the rice.
Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork, garnish with coriander, and serve hot.
3. Sweet and Creamy Samai Rice Kheer:
This delightful kheer is a healthy and satisfying way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
½ cup barnyard rice (Samvat rice)
4 cups milk
¼ cup jaggery
¼ tsp cardamom powder
Chopped nuts (for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse and soak the barnyard rice for 15-20 minutes.
Bring milk to a boil in a large pot.
Drain the rice and add it to the boiling milk. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice cooks and the kheer thickens.
Stir in jaggery and cardamom powder. Mix well until the jaggery dissolves.
Cook for a few more minutes until the kheer reaches your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With its versatility and health benefits, barnyard millet is a fantastic ingredient to explore in the kitchen!
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