Foxtail Millet & Vegetable Khichdi - Once a staple in traditional Indian cooking, millets are back as Indian superfoods. Also, the United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets. Foxtail millet is believed to be a healthy substitute for white rice and is popularly known as Kangni/Kakum in India. It has numerous health benefits. This recipe works as a great weekly dinner option or even a weight-loss but wholesome meal. The ingredients are easy to source and multiple variations of this recipe can be done.
Ingredients : (Serves 4)
> 1 cup Foxtail Millet
> 1/4 cup - Yellow Moong daal (Skinned Green Gram)
> 1 red onion - peeled and finely chopped
> 1/2 tomato - deseeded & finely chopped
> 1 carrot - peeled and finely chopped
> 8-10 french beans - finely chopped
> Few green pea kernels
> (optional) 5-6 garlic cloves - finely chopped
> To add a zing of freshness, some chopped coriander leaves
> Some white sesame seeds
> A tsp each of Turmeric powder, Red chili Powder, Cumin Powder, and Coriander Powder - adjust the quantity to suit your palette
> Salt to taste
> Water - 3.5 to 4 cups
For the Tadka :
> 1.5 tsp any cold pressed oil / organic Ghee
> Mustard seeds
> Cumin seeds
> A pinch of asafoetida
> 2-3 Dry red chillies
> Few curry leaves
Preparation:
Before you start cooking, wash the Foxtail millet 2- 3 times in running water. Soak it for at least an hour, this enables it to cook evenly. Similarly, wash and soak the yellow moong daal separately.
Start with washing and chopping all veggies. Recommended to cook this dish in a heavy bottom pan/pressure cooker. Add the Oil/Ghee. Followed by all the ingredients of tadka one by one - mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, red chilies, and curry leaves. Now add garlic cloves and give it a stir. Then add all the vegetables - onions, tomatoes, carrots, french beans, peas and stir it well. Add all the masalas and the yellow moong daal, and foxtail millet. Give this a good stir. lastly, add water and salt to the pan. Let this all come to a boil. Now close the lid and cook for 4-5 whistles if in a pressure cooker / till the veggies and millet cook in the pan (It will take a good 30-40 minutes). Once cooled down open the pot. Adjust the consistency if required with a little warm water. Serve it with fresh chopped coriander leaves and sesame seeds.
You can try some variations by adding or replacing a few veggies/lentils. The Foxtail millet & vegetable khichdi is best served with ghee, some curd/raita, and papadums. To increase the protein portion, add 50 gms of grilled tofu/paneer while serving.
Bon Appetite!