Delicious South Indian Little Millet Recipes

Little millet, also known as Samai in South India, is a nutritious and gluten-free grain that is gaining popularity due to its health benefits. It is often used in various South Indian dishes. Here are some South Indian-style little millet recipes you can try:

1. Little Millet Upma

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup little millet
   • 2 cups water
   • 2 tbsp oil
   • 1 tsp mustard seeds
   • 1 tsp urad dal (black gram)
   • 1 tsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
   • 1/4 cup chopped onions
   • 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
   • 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
   • Curry leaves
   • Salt to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Rinse the little millet and set it aside.
   2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them splutter.
   3. Add chopped onions, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
   4. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
   5. Add the washed little millet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
   6. Pour in the water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
   7. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the millet is cooked and the water is absorbed. It will take about 15-20 minutes.
   8. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

2. Little Millet Dosa

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup little millet
   • 1/4 cup urad dal (black gram)
   • 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds
   • Salt to taste
2. Instructions:
   1. Soak the little millet, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately for 4-6 hours.
   2. Grind them into a smooth batter separately and then mix them together.
   3. Ferment the batter for 6-8 hours or overnight.
   4. Add salt to the batter and mix well.
   5. Heat a griddle or dosa pan, pour a ladle of batter, and spread it into a thin circle.
   6. Cook until the dosa is crisp and golden brown.
   7. Serve with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.

3. Little Millet Curd Rice

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 cup cooked little millet
   • 1 cup yogurt
   • 1/4 cup milk
   • Salt to taste
   • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
   • 1/4 tsp urad dal
   • 1/4 tsp chana dal
   • 1 green chili, chopped
   • Curry leaves
   • 1 tbsp oil
2. Instructions:
   1. Mix cooked little millet, yogurt, and milk in a bowl.
   2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, green chili, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
   3. Add this tempering to the millet mixture and mix well.
   4. Add salt to taste and serve cold.

These South Indian-style little millet recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. You can customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy your nutritious meals!