Did you Bajra or pearl millet is not native to Rajasthan? That’s right, the land famous for its breakfast of Bajra roti and lehsun achaar, is in fact not where bajra was originally grown. As per sources, Bajra came to India from Africa somewhere around 2000 B.C, and by 1500 B.C. due to the favourable climate of the country, bajra became one of the most widely cultivated crops. The arid area of Rajasthan is not conducive for the growth of many vegetables, so crops like Bajra take centerstage, and fills the typical Marwari platter with in various capacities, sometimes as a bread (bajre ki roti) or at times as a soup ( Bajre ka raab). Similarly, if we go further down south, there are parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka that are also not as blessed in terms of vegetation. Cultivation of rice and wheat, is a challenge, so Ragi comes in to the rescue. Ragi balls or Ragi Mudde are savoured with curries for a wholesome meal. To surmise, millets have been a very intrinsic part of Indian cuisine, therefore to say India relies on wheat and rice for most of their nutrition intake is a bit of a stretch in our opinion. Millets like ragi, jowar, bajra are not only the new ‘superfoods’, but they are incredibly versatile ingredients you can pack in your pantry. Here’s how you can use some of these millets in your breakfast.
1.Ragi Idli
Steamed idli made with ragi, promises a healthy breakfast that is not only good for weight-loss (Ragi is replete with fibre and decent quality protein), but also for your gut and digestion. Pair it with spicy tomato chutney for best experience.
2. Methi Bajra Puri
Puri is a deep-fried flatbread that is often consumed with a variety of curries for breakfast. This Puri, however, is not made with atta. With goodness of bajra, fenugreek leaves and mashed potatoes, this is one wholesome breakfast option you can try maybe on a lazy Sunday.
3. Kuttu Paneer Wrap:
Looking for a filling, wholesome breakfast, you have arrived at the right place. This juicy, loaded wrap has everything going for it. It is gluten-free, high-fibre and ever-so nutritious. Here, a Kuttu paratha is stuffed with an enticing mix of paneer, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and what not. Slurrping much?
4. Jowar Poha
Poha is a light breakfast made with flattened rice flakes, also known as Poha or Chiwda. These rice flakes are tossed with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves et al for a satiating breakfast, and are served with farsaan like sev or more chopped onions. In this delish recipe, the rice flakes are replaced with jowar flakes. The addition of carrots and capsicum, helps elevate the overall flavour of the dish further.
Try these yummy recipes and let us know which ones you liked the best.
