Millet Dishes For North Indian Cuisines
The craze for North Indian cuisine is for its aromatic spices, rich flavor, and diverse range of dishes. The traditional dishes in North India revolve around rice, wheat and lentils. While roti, dal, and rice are regarded as the foundation of meals, those are accompanied by an array of mouth-watering curries and tandoori dishes. North Indian cuisine encompasses delicacies from regions like Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
However, various factors such as urbanization, changing lifestyles, and aggressive marketing tactics by multinational food companies and fast-food chains have majorly affected traditional Indian diets. Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats have triggered various health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, etc.
In response to growing health concerns, efforts are being made to reintroduce traditional nutritious food into the mainstream, including millet.
Millets are growing in popularity address lifestyle issues
Millets are nutritious grains cultivated across India. Millets, such as bajra, jowar, ragi, and foxtail millet, have been a part of Indian diets for centuries. Millets took a backseat in urban areas and people got used to unhealthy foods. However, with the growing health concerns, people have started incorporating healthier alternatives to popular dishes. Given that, millets have emerged as a healthy choice in North India. Millet consumption has witnessed a surge in recent years.
In this article, we bring you different millet dishes tailored to suit the discerning taste buds of people who love North Indian cuisine.
Different millet dishes in North Indian style
Millet roti (flatbread): Millet rotis are excellent nutritious alternatives to conventional wheat rotis. Ragi (finger millet), Bajra (pearl millet), and Jowar (Sorghum) are popularly used for making rotis. Due to its distinct earthy flavor, millet rotis are regarded as a delightful accompaniment to different types of curries and dals prepared in North India.
Millet pulao: Millet pulao is another wholesome and flavorful dish that can replace traditional rice pulao. It is easy and convenient to cook nutritious and delicious pulao using foxtail millet or barnyard millet as the base. Even vegetables and aromatic spices can be added to the pulao.
Millet khichdi: Khichdi is a common staple food in North India. Traditionally, these are prepared using rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices. However, millet can also be used to cook khichdi in the same way by replacing rice. Millet khichdi is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal. Khichdi is an ideal choice for both regular meals and sick days. Khichdi ensures a good balance of carbohydrates and protein. Upma being light on the stomach, is easy to digest.
Millet kheer: Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding. However, this can be given a nutritious makeover by replacing rice with millet. Foxtail millet or barnyard millet is the best substitute for rice. The creamy texture and sweetness of the classic dessert won’t be affected by millet. Moreover, it will give a nutritional boost while adding a nutty flavor. It can be garnished with nuts and flavoured with cardamom and saffron making it a delicious dessert to savour.
Millet upma: Upma is commonly recognized as a South Indian breakfast dish. However, this dish is also popular in North India. Generally, North Indians prepare upma using semolina (sooji). But, sooji can be replaced by millet to prepare a nutritious breakfast or a light meal. Millet upma can be made using broken foxtail millet or little millet and adding ingredients like sauteed vegetables and aromatic spices. It is quick and easy to prepare this wholesome breakfast.
Conclusion
Millets offer a diverse range of options for North Indian cuisines. It offers a healthier alternative without compromising the taste or flavor. Apart from the above dishes, several other dishes can be prepared from millets in North Indian style. Millets can be seamlessly integrated into traditional North Indian cuisine ensuring nutrient-rich dishes while satisfying the taste buds. Embracing millets offers a dietary diversity without affecting the traditional essence.