Breakfast is synonymous with cereals!
Surely, you or someone you know must have meant breakfast while saying 'let's have some cereal'. And why not, majority of the modern world believes it is a quick start of the day. The sugary (or diet-friendly) quick-to-eat breaky needs only some milk to go with and you are good. No, this is not a ready-to-eat edible bashing, we promise! The point is, over the years we have all become rather accustomed to the presence of cereals in our food groups. However, what we do not realise is that these are not only crunchy, fun packaged snacks but are present in the most authentic of the dishes. Right from wheat, and oats to pearl millets (Bajra), we choose a cereal every single day, (pun intended :D).
Pearl millet or Bajra is the most grown kind of millet in India. The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet. Those of us from the great royal Rajasthan, are very much familiar with its winter delicacies like Bajre Ka Khichra. The chilly season is not complete without some hot Bajra! Ratzz is a die-hard fan of Bajre Ko Roti with Baingan Bharta where I enjoy the khichdi with ghee & boora.
Besides the taste and its charm, Bajra is also a highly nutritious and beneficial crop.
Manages Diabetes - With the slowly digestible carbohydrates, Bajra plays a big role in controlling diabetes and is a great diabetic dietary supplement.
Improves Heart - Other than great dietary fibres it also possesses cholesterol-lowering properties which make it a brilliant "hearty-food."
Prevents Constipation - The fibre-rich Bajra promotes great gut health and in turn prevents constipation, a difficulty faced by most.
Great Vegetarian Protein - Those who choose to be vegetarian can gain enough protein from this one supplement.
Stronger Bones - The phosphorus presence is just what your bones need to be even more strong.
Rich in Antioxidants - Pearl millet is a great source of antioxidants, it prevents early ageing, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, promotes wound healing capabilities of the body. Who can deny the goodness of a perfect dose of antioxidants?!
Iron & Folic Acid - Expecting and nursing mothers must choose this pearl of wisdom of the above-stated benefits, and additionally, for a much-needed dose of iron and folic acid.
Nevertheless, of all the advantages, excess of anything is never a good idea. So it is suggested by the elders, experts and yours faithfully CauldronSisterss that please make sure you intake only the adequate and required amount of Bajra/Pearl Millet.
Our favorite Chef Ashish Bhasin says, "With globalisation, Indian chefs becoming more adventurous, playing more with ingredients, cooking healthier dishes. I am confident we will take Bajra global." He himself loves Bajra Khichdi a lot.
Renowned historian & food writer Pushpesh Pant ji shares with us, "Bajra the beloved grain of Rajasthan and Gujrat is a Millet of many delights. Nutritious n flavourful, it pleases the palate in myriad sweet and savory preparations. Once Sultan of Delhi had lamented after a long wasteful seige that he had risked his empire for a fistful of Bajra." Pushpesh ji loves piping hot Raabri & Khichdi.
Famous food blogger, Radhika Aggarwal aka The Foodie Devi says, "I come from a typical Marwadi family where food that is is prepared in our homes is of utmost importance. Every day feels like a festival when it comes to food at our homes but that's exactly why we need to start incorporating healthier alternatives that won't come in the form of strict diets but by making minor swaps like eating what our ancestors used to it, according to the season.
In winters, the perfect, healthy and most comforting meal for me is Baajre ki Khichdi with dollops of Ghee & lots of veggies and similarly in summers, Baajre ki Raabdi has a very cooling and calming effect on our body."
Ratzz and I could not resist and immediately planned our easy Bajra dishes for the next few days while writing this blog. We will surely not leave you hanging. Here are some easy Bajra recipes that are quick to prepare and delicious to eat.
Let us know which one you like better or even the twists if you add any-
Bajre Ka Pulao
Into a pressure cooker, add 2 tbsp ghee and heat it up
Add 1 tsp jeera, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 tsp chopped ginger, 1 tsp chopped green chilli, 1 tsp garlic, 1 chopped tomato and sauté
Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric & 1 tsp garam masala and mix well
Add 1 cup overnight soaked Bajra
Add 3 cups water and mix
Add some fresh peas and coriander leaves
Cover to cook for approximately 5 whistles
Open when steam releases, mix and serve your hot, mouth-watering Pulao
Bajre Ki Raab
Take a bowl and pour 1 cup of whisked curd
Add 1 cup water and 2 tbsp Bajre Ka aata
Mix well
Take a pan to which add 1 tbsp ghee, 1 tsp Rai and some neem leaves
Pour curd mix and stir continuously to avoid lumps and until it boils
Add some water and 1tsp salt
Remove from heat
Add some coriander leaves and serve hot
Bajre Ke Uttapam
Take a bowl and add 1 cup of Bajra atta
You will need 1 grated potato, 1 tbsp chopped green chillies, 1 tbsp coriander leaves
Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tbsp oil
To the entire mixture add 1/2 cup water and combine properly
Add more water and make a thick batter (pancake mix consistency)
Take a pan (non-stick preferably) and heat some oil on it
Pour the batter and make small pancake shapes
Flip and cook both sides until beautiful golden colour
Serve fresh with green chutney
Bajre Ke Appe
In a bowl take 1 cup of Bajre ka atta
Add 1 cup of chopped methi leaves, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp oil
Mix with water and make a runny batter
Add 1 tsp Eno (just before cooking)
Take an appe-pan and heat some oil in it
Pour batter to make appe
Flip to cook both sides equally
Serve fresh with chutney of choice
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