6 Innovative Recipes To Make With Samo Ke Chawal

Posing as a reliable alternative to rice or wheat, samo ke chawal or barnyard millets make up for most other grains containing gluten.

It’s health benefits and versatility make it one of the preferred choices for those who plan on nourishing themselves while fasting. From savoury breakfast dishes to delicious sweets, this grain has been one of the indigenous ingredients that form an integral part of our culinary heritage.

Cook toasted and powdered barnyard millet with milk, sugar and cardamom powder until the mixture turns creamy to resemble a comforting pudding. Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins for added texture, colour and flavour; you could also swap the sugar with jaggery or palm sugar for a deeper caramel flavour and richness. Eat topped off with a thick scoop of fresh malai, when still warm.

Cook samo ke chawal with diced potatoes, peanuts and spices to make a flavourful khichdi that can be enjoyed with a bowl of plain yogurt or a side of cucumber raita. Packed with wholesome and mellow flavours, the khichdi is ideal for the consumption of kids as well as older adults. When eaten with a yoghurt-based accompaniment, the cool raita offsets the starchy warmth of the delicacy well. On a non-fasting day, add a touch of soy sauce to your congee, and top with a fried egg for an Asian twist.