1. The Hearty Millet Khichdi
There is no dish more synonymous with rainy day comfort than a bowl of hot khichdi. This one-pot wonder is traditionally made with rice and lentils, but swapping rice for millets elevates it to a new level of nutrition without sacrificing taste. Foxtail
millet (kangni) or kodo millet are excellent choices as they cook to a soft, pleasing texture that absorbs all the flavours of the spices. To prepare, simply pressure cook the millet with moong dal, your favourite vegetables like carrots and peas, and a blend of turmeric, cumin, and ginger. Soaking the millet for about 30 minutes can help it cook faster and become softer. A final tempering (tadka) of ghee and cumin seeds before serving makes it an aromatic and soul-satisfying meal, perfect for listening to the rain outside.
2. Crispy Millet Pakoras
Rainy evenings practically demand a plate of crispy pakoras. This season, give the traditional besan (gram flour) pakora a healthy makeover by incorporating millet flour. Pearl millet (bajra) or finger millet (ragi) flour works wonderfully, adding a rustic, nutty flavour and a delightful crunch. You can make a batter by mixing bajra flour with a smaller amount of rice flour for extra crispiness, then adding chopped onions, green chillies, coriander, and spices like carom seeds (ajwain) and turmeric. If you're using ragi, the pakoras will have a distinctive and appealing reddish hue. Whether you deep-fry, air-fry, or bake them, these millet pakoras offer a less guilt-ridden way to indulge in your favourite monsoon snack.
3. A Nourishing Bowl of Millet Soup
When the weather is damp and chilly, a warm bowl of soup can feel like a hug. A simple vegetable soup can be made more wholesome and filling by using ragi (finger millet) flour as a thickening agent. Unlike cornflour, ragi adds a wealth of nutrients, including calcium and iron. To make a simple ragi soup, start by sautéing ginger, garlic, and your choice of finely chopped vegetables. In a separate bowl, make a slurry by mixing ragi flour with water, ensuring there are no lumps. Add this slurry to the simmering vegetables and broth, stirring continuously until the soup thickens to a glossy consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a nourishing, light meal.
4. The Spiced Millet Upma
Upma is a go-to breakfast in many Indian households, but its versatility makes it a fantastic option for a light, warm dinner on a rainy night. Replacing the standard semolina (suji) with millets like foxtail, little, or barnyard millet creates a more fibrous and nutrient-dense dish. The preparation is nearly identical to regular upma. Start with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lentils. Sauté onions and vegetables before adding the rinsed millet. The key is the water ratio; generally, a 1:2 millet-to-water ratio works well for a fluffy texture. Cook until the millet is soft and has absorbed the water. Garnished with fresh coriander, this spiced millet upma is both comforting and incredibly easy to put together.
5. Savory Millet Crepes (Dosa/Cheela)
For something light yet satisfying, turn to savory millet crepes. Both jowar (sorghum) and ragi make for excellent dosa or cheela batters. An instant jowar dosa can be made by creating a thin, watery batter with jowar flour, a bit of rice flour, chopped onions, chillies, and cumin seeds. Pour this batter onto a hot tawa from a height to create the lacy, crispy texture characteristic of rava dosa. There's no fermentation required. These dosas cook up quickly and are wonderfully crisp. Paired with a simple coconut or tomato chutney, they make for a delicious and healthy meal that won't feel heavy, allowing you to enjoy the monsoon evening to its fullest.
