South Indian cuisine is known for its simplicity, nourishment, and soulful flavours. Among its many gems, Idiyappam—also called string hoppers—stands out for its delicate texture and lightness. Traditionally made with rice flour, Idiyappam is soft, steamed, and a perfect base for sweet or savoury flavours. But what if you could make this classic dish even healthier? Enter Sorghum Veg Idiyappam—a nutritious, gluten-free, and flavour-packed version made using sorghum flour (jowar atta) and colourful vegetables 🥕🌶️🥦.
This recipe beautifully blends the rustic charm of sorghum with the aromatic style of South Indian cooking. It’s light on the stomach, full of fibre, rich in minerals, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re trying to include more millets in your everyday meals, this dish is a delicious and creative place to start. Let’s dive into this millet masterpiece!
🌾 Why Sorghum? (The Power of Jowar)
Sorghum, widely known as jowar, is an ancient Indian grain making a major comeback. Packed with nutrition and health benefits, it’s one of the best millet substitutes for rice-based meals.
Here’s why sorghum is a superstar:
- 💪 High in Protein – Helps boost strength
- 🧡 Rich in Iron & Minerals – Supports immunity and energy
- 🌾 100% Gluten-Free – Great for gluten-intolerant diets
- 🥗 High in Fibre – Improves digestion & keeps you full
- 🔥 Low Glycemic Index – Diabetic-friendly
- 🌱 Gut-Friendly – Light, non-sticky, easy to digest
When combined with vegetables, sorghum idiyappam transforms into a colourful, nourishing, and flavour-rich dish suitable for breakfast, dinner, or even a light lunch.
🥗 Ingredients for Sorghum Veg Idiyappam
🌾 For the Idiyappam Dough
- 1 cup Sorghum Flour (Jowar Atta)
- ½ cup Rice Flour (for softness)
- 1 tsp Oil
- ½ tsp Salt
- Hot water as needed
🥕 For the Veg Tempering
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Urad Dal
- 1–2 Green Chillies, chopped
- 2 sprigs Curry Leaves
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- ¼ cup Carrots, grated 🥕
- ¼ cup Capsicum, sliced 🌶️
- ¼ cup Green Beans, chopped
- ¼ cup Cabbage, shredded
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped
👩🍳 How to Make Sorghum Veg Idiyappam – Step-by-Step Guide
🔥 Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix sorghum flour, rice flour, and salt. Add hot water gradually while mixing with a spoon. Once it cools slightly, knead into a soft dough.
This dough should be smooth and pliable, similar to a rice idiyappam dough.
🍜 Step 2: Fill the Idiyappam Press
Grease your idiyappam press lightly. Fill it with the dough while it’s still warm. This helps create smoother strings.
🧆 Step 3: Steam the Idiyappam
Grease idiyappam plates or an idli steamer. Press out the noodles in circular swirls. Steam for 7–10 minutes until firm and cooked.
Let it cool and gently separate the strings with a fork.
🥦 Step 4: Prepare the Veg Tempering
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and green chillies—let them crackle.
Add onions and sauté until slightly soft.
Now add carrot, beans, capsicum, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they become tender but crunchy.
🍽️ Step 5: Mix the Idiyappam
Add the steamed sorghum idiyappam into the pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Toss gently without breaking the strands.
Finish with lemon juice and fresh coriander.
🎉 Step 6: Serve Hot
Your beautiful, colourful, nutritious Sorghum Veg Idiyappam is ready to enjoy!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔️ Gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and light
✔️ Great for weight-loss diets
✔️ Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
✔️ Easy to digest and kid-friendly
✔️ Good for diabetic and heart-healthy diets
✔️ Balanced meal with carbs + fibre + veggies
✔️ Colourful, aromatic, and satisfying
Millet lovers, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again—healthy, tasty, and beautifully simple.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair it with:
- 🥥 Coconut chutney
- 🍋 Lemon pickle
- 🥗 Curd or buttermilk
- 🍅 Tomato onion chutney
- 🌶️ Green chilli chutney
For a richer meal, serve with veg kurma or moong dal stew.
🔄 Variations You Can Try
🌱 Green Masala Idiyappam – Add coriander & mint paste
🌶️ Spicy Version – Add red chilli powder or capsicum
🥥 Coconut Veg Idiyappam – Add grated coconut
🥜 Protein Boost – Add roasted peanuts
🧀 Kids Special – Add cheese for a creamy twist
❤️ Conclusion
Sorghum Veg Idiyappam is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary, soul-soothing dish. This millet-based recipe isn’t just healthy—it’s beautifully flavourful, colourful, and comforting. If you’re exploring millet recipes for your blog or lifestyle, this dish brings together tradition, innovation, and nutrition in one wholesome bowl.
Try it once, and it will easily become a regular in your kitchen!