1. Creamy and Savoury Jowar Porridge
Forget sweet oatmeal; a warm bowl of savoury jowar porridge is the ultimate monsoon comfort. Known as 'ghat' or 'ghoogri' in various parts of India, this dish is both filling and easy to digest. To prepare, pressure cook whole jowar grains until soft
and slightly mushy. In a separate pan, heat a little ghee or oil, and temper with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté some finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chillies before adding seasonal vegetables like carrots and peas. Finally, mix in the cooked jowar, season with salt, and let it simmer for a few minutes. The result is a creamy, flavourful porridge that warms you from the inside out. Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime for a perfect rainy night dinner.
2. Crispy Jowar and Vegetable Tikkis
Rainy evenings and crispy snacks are a match made in heaven. These jowar tikkis, or cutlets, are a healthy yet indulgent-tasting treat. To make them, combine jowar flour with boiled and mashed potatoes, which act as a binding agent. To this mixture, add finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and grated carrots. Season generously with ginger, green chillies, coriander leaves, and spices like roasted cumin powder and red chilli flakes. Shape the mixture into flat, round patties. You can shallow fry these tikkis on a pan until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Serve them hot with a side of mint chutney or tomato ketchup for a delightful evening snack that is both satisfying and nutritious.
3. Instant Jowar and Herb Dosas
When you need a quick, light, and delicious meal, these instant jowar dosas are the answer. Unlike traditional dosas, this version requires no fermentation. Simply create a thin, watery batter by mixing jowar flour with water, similar to a rava dosa batter. To this, add finely chopped onions, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, and fresh coriander to infuse it with flavour. A pinch of cumin seeds and crushed black pepper adds a lovely warmth. Ensure your pan is very hot before pouring the batter from the edges inwards to create a lacy, crisp dosa. Cook on high heat until the edges turn crisp and golden brown. These dosas are naturally gluten-free and pair beautifully with coconut chutney or a spicy tomato chutney.
4. Hearty Jowar and Vegetable Soup
There's nothing quite like a hearty soup on a cool, rainy night. Using jowar as a base gives the soup a thick, creamy texture and a boost of nutrition without needing any cream. Start by lightly sautéing your favourite monsoon vegetables like carrots, beans, and corn in a pot. Add jowar flour and roast it for a minute before gradually adding vegetable stock or water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender and the jowar is cooked through, creating a nourishing broth. Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a bit of garlic or herbs for extra flavour. This one-pot meal is not only easy to make but also incredibly wholesome, packed with fibre and essential nutrients to keep you healthy during the monsoon.
5. Wholesome Jowar Upma
Give the classic sooji upma a nutritious twist by using whole jowar grains. While it requires a bit of pre-planning, the result is well worth it. Soak whole jowar grains for at least 8 hours or overnight, then pressure cook them until they are soft but still have a slight chew. In a kadhai, prepare a tempering of oil, mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Sauté onions, green chillies, and your choice of finely chopped vegetables until tender. Add the cooked jowar to the pan, along with salt and a pinch of turmeric. Mix everything well, cover, and let it cook for a few more minutes for the flavours to meld. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coconut and coriander leaves for a truly satisfying breakfast-for-dinner meal.
