Photo by Freepik
Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Millets, a group of small-seeded grains, have been a staple in traditional diets for centuries, especially in regions with arid climates. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in millets due to their nutritional benefits, sustainability, and versatility in culinary applications. Incorporating millet into your diet can be a delightful and nutritious way to diversify your meals.
Photo by Freepik
Replace a portion of regular flour with millet flour like finger millet (ragi) or pearl millet (bajra) in your baking or cooking. This can be used in making rotis, pancakes, or baked goods.
Photo by Freepik
Gradually substitute a portion of rice with cooked millets like foxtail millet or barnyard millet. This adds a nutty flavour and boosts the nutritional profile of your meals.
Photo by Freepik
Prepare a hearty breakfast by making millet porridge or pudding. Millets like sorghum or proso millet can be cooked with milk or plant-based alternatives, sweetened, and topped with fruits and nuts.
Photo by Freepik
Add cooked and cooled millets to your salads for a satisfying crunch. Millets work well with various vegetables, herbs, and dressings, creating a nutritious and flavorful salad.
Photo by Unsplash
Incorporate millets into your soups and stews for added texture and nutritional value. Millets absorb the flavours of the broth, enhancing the overall taste.
Photo by Unsplash
Explore millet-based breakfast cereals available in the market or create your own by mixing different millets with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Photo by Freepik
Experiment with millets in desserts such as puddings, cakes, or cookies. Millet flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative in baking.
Photo by Freepik
Experiment with millets in desserts such as puddings, cakes, or cookies. Millet flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative in baking.
Photo by Freepik
Replace or mix millets with rice in biryani recipes. The unique texture and flavour of millets can add a delightful twist to these traditional dishes.
Photo by Unsplash
Create millet-based beverages like malted drinks or millet smoothies. Millet flour can be blended with milk or plant-based alternatives, along with fruits and sweeteners, for a nutritious drink.
Photo by Freepik
Incorporating millet into your diet not only adds variety and flavour to your meals but also brings numerous nutritional benefits. These gluten-free grains are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a wholesome addition to a well-balanced diet.
Photo by Freepik