Winter is finally here, and with it come the cold winds and harsh winters. But don't panic, because all your favorite warm-weather foods will be there to warm you up. While millets are a staple of many winter diets across India, it's worth noting that they not only give us warm, hearty meals but are also packed with valuable nutrients. But what's so good about millets? Let's explore the health benefits of millets in detail, check out some delicious recipes made with millets, and get answers to the most common question related to this super grain. Is millet good for weight loss?

Health Benefits of Millets

Pearl millet, also commonly known as bajra, is a powerfully nutritious whole grain rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It provides a unique, pleasant taste and texture to foods such as porridge, breads, biscuits, cooked cereals, soups, and stews. Its non-sticky nature makes it easy to digest, especially for those who are allergic to gluten or have celiac disease.
It has a delicate flavor that is easy to cook. Millet is a great substitute for rice and can be used as a thickening agent for sauces, stews, soups, and gravies.

THE LIST OF THE ABUNDANT HEALTH BENEFITS OF MILLETS IS VERY LONG

A Good Option for Diabetics

Millets work perfectly with a diabetic diet. They contain carbohydrates that are digested slowly, keeping glucose levels stable for a long time. This makes them a healthy food option for diabetics.

Provides Relief from Acidity and Other Stomach Problems

The acidity-regulating and soothing effects of millet are beneficial for people suffering from stomach ulcers, intestinal discomfort, and frequent bouts of vomiting. Millet is especially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic constipation due to its laxative properties.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Millet contains potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure. This superfood is known as a natural medicine in many cultures because it has natural properties to aid your body's functioning. Millet is rich in vitamins and minerals that we need on a daily basis—like iron and magnesium.
Millet is a great option not only to lose excess weight but also to prevent weight gain. Since a roti made from it contains only 97 calories, it makes you feel full and satisfied for a long time. It improves metabolism and is also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which make it beneficial for your health as well.

Delicious Millet Recipes You Must Try

Bajra Roti Let's start with the classic recipe first. Bajra roti is one of the easiest and tastiest recipes to make. Firstly, in a large bowl, mix the bajra flour and wheat flour with salt. Using 3/4 cup warm water, knead the dough into a soft dough. Divide the dough to make 8 rotis. Press the dough with your hands to make it soft. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a round roti shape. Heat a non-stick tawa on medium heat and carefully place your rolled roti. Cook it for a few seconds until the roti gets a nice color. Flip the roti and cook the other side in the same way. Once cooked, apply desi ghee on top. Bajra roti tastes best with Urad Chana Dal. Enjoy your nutritious meal.
Millet Khichdi with Green Moong Dal Nutritious, warm, and delicious—that is the best way to describe millet khichdi. Khichdi is a simple and hearty meal that is always filling. Millet Khichdi with Green Moong Dal is one such recipe that you must include in your lunch menu. First, soak the millet in water for 8 hours. After soaking well, strain it and wash it 2-3 times under running water.
Add soaked millets, green moong dal, salt to taste, and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker and let it cook for 4 whistles. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
Take a non-stick pan and add desi ghee, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and turmeric powder to it. Fry it on medium flame for a few seconds.
To this mixture, add cooked millet and green moong dal along with a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes.
Bajra Khichdi with Green Moong Dal is ready. Serve it hot and serve with curd.

Millet Dosa

Who doesn't love a golden crispy dosa? Imagine your favorite dosa can be healthy too. Bajra dosa is great for weight loss and is a perfect option for people with diabetes. Let's start cooking!
To make dosa, soak 1 cup millet, 1/2 cup urad dal, and 1/4 cup poha for 6 hours. Next, soak a handful of fenugreek seeds separately for 4-6 hours.
Once soaked, drain well and blend in a mixer, adding 3/4 cup water till smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the millet flour and salt. Add about 2 cups of water and mix well using a whisk. Cover the mixture with a lid and let it ferment overnight.
The next day, stir the mixture well. It's time to make dosas! Heat a non-stick tawa, sprinkle some water on it, and wipe it with a thin muslin cloth.
Pour a ladle of dosa batter on the hot pan in a circular motion. Apply a tablespoon of Desi Ghee or oil on the edges till the dosa turns golden brown and crispy on both sides. Enjoy it with hot sambhar and cold chutney.

Millet Chakli

A festival favorite, a breakfast time snack, a midnight snack, a perfect tea time treat, the age-old spiral chakli holds a lot of significance for many. You can make it even more delicious with this easy millet recipe.
Start by combining millet flour, wheat flour, garlic, nigella seeds, green chili paste, and salt in a large bowl. Mix them all well.
Work the softened butter into the flour mixture using your fingers until the mixture resembles bread or cookie crumbs.
Add 1 tablespoon curd and knead into a soft dough using some water.
Pour the mixture into a chakli maker and press the dough spiral onto the aluminum foil.
Let's start frying. Heat oil in a pan; gently pick up your precious chakli and drop them in the oil one by one.
Deep fry a few chaklis one by one till they turn golden brown on both sides. Drain the millet chakli on a tissue paper, and they are ready to eat.

Millet Chocolate Pancakes

The best for last! Delicious millet pancakes served with warm chocolate sauce taste amazing. You can have it as a dessert or breakfast. It's a win-win, right?
Start by mixing half a cup of millet flour and equal amounts of jaggery. Sieve the millet flour, then add half a cup of melted jaggery, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1 more mashed banana to the flour. Mix all the ingredients with warm water to make a smooth batter. P.S. You can also use warm milk to make the batter. Heat a pan and apply some butter to it, then slowly pour a ladle of batter, flip it over to make a pancake, and serve hot with chocolate syrup or vanilla ice cream.
Are you ready to include millet in your life and reap its countless benefits? Millet should be included in the regular diet, as it can prove to be beneficial for health. Millet is rich in nutrients and is also called a powerhouse of fiber. Regular consumption of millet also reduces the level of bad cholesterol. It controls glucose levels, keeping diabetes at bay.

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