Recipe: The Perfect Millet Biryani Recipe For A Hearty And Nutrient-Rich Meal

In the vibrant assortment of Indian cuisine, biryani reigns as a beloved classic, renowned for its fragrant spices and aromatic rice. However, there’s a wholesome twist to this traditional favourite that’s taking the culinary world by storm—millet biryani. In the pursuit of healthier dining options without sacrificing taste, millets, those tiny, nutrient-packed grains, have stepped into the limelight. Millet biryani not only offers a delectable culinary experience but also serves as a nutritious alternative to conventional rice-based biryani. So, let’s embark on a flavorful journey into the world of millet biryani.

Millet Biryani Is A Wholesome Twist On A Classic Dish

Millet biryani is a nutritious and delicious variation of the traditional biryani, which replaces rice with millets, a group of small-seeded grasses. Millets are highly nutritious, gluten-free grains that are rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are known for their numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion, managing blood sugar levels, and supporting heart health. Now imagine the deliciousness that cooks up when these healthy grains are mixed with the impeccable flavours of biryani. 

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Try This Amazing Recipe To Discover The Magic

Here’s a basic recipe by FITTR for making millet biryani at home!

Ingredients

For The Millet Base:

• 1 cup of millet (you can use any millet variety)
• 2 cups of water for cooking the millet
• Salt to taste

For The Biryani Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 green chilli, slit lengthwise (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.)
• 1/2 cup of yoghurt (curd)
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves for garnish
• Fried onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking The Millet:

1. Rinse the millet thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, add the rinsed millet and water.
3. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the millet is cooked and the water is absorbed.
4. Fluff the millet with a fork and set it aside.

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Preparing The Biryani Gravy:

1. In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat.
2. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and green chilli and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low, and add the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Sauté for a minute.
7. Add the yoghurt (curd) and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until the oil or ghee starts to separate from the mixture.
8. Take a heavy-bottomed pot or a biryani pot. Layer half of the cooked millet at the bottom.
9. Add a layer of the prepared biryani gravy on top of the millet.
10. Repeat with another layer of millet and then the remaining gravy.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, and fried onions (if using).
12. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
13. Place the pot on a tava (griddle) or a flat pan and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together.
14. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
15. Gently fluff the millet biryani with a fork, mixing the layers.
16. Serve hot with raita (yoghurt dip) or a side salad.

Millet biryani is a wholesome and nutritious dish that’s perfect for those looking to incorporate healthier grains into their diet without compromising on taste. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal as a lunch or dinner option.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva and Chef Ashish Bhasin/X