Kodo Millet Ghee Rice is a simple yet royal South Indian style dish that transforms everyday millet into an aromatic and comforting meal. This recipe replaces white rice with kodo millet. making traditional ghee rice lighter. more nutritious. and suitable for regular healthy eating 🌿.
Ghee rice is known for its rich aroma. subtle spice. and melt in mouth texture. It is often prepared for special lunches. festive meals. or when you want something comforting without heavy gravies. Using kodo millet elevates this classic dish nutritionally while keeping its soul intact. The millet absorbs ghee and whole spices beautifully. resulting in a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Kodo Millet Ghee Rice is perfect for lunch. dinner. family gatherings. and lunch boxes. It pairs wonderfully with kurma. dal. or raita and proves that millet based meals can be elegant and satisfying.
🌾 Why Kodo Millet Is Perfect for Ghee Rice
Kodo millet is one of the lightest and most digestion friendly millets. Traditionally used in simple and healing meals. it is rich in fiber. antioxidants. and essential minerals. Compared to polished rice. kodo millet has a lower glycemic index and supports gut health.
✨ Key benefits of kodo millet
✔ Easy to digest and stomach friendly
✔ High in dietary fiber
✔ Helps regulate blood sugar levels
✔ Supports gut cleansing
✔ Naturally gluten free
When cooked properly. kodo millet turns soft. fluffy. and non sticky. making it an excellent replacement for rice in aromatic dishes like ghee rice.
🛒 Ingredients Required
For Cooking Millet
- Kodo millet – 1 cup
- Water – 2.5 cups
- Salt – as per taste
Whole Spices
- Bay leaf – 1
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small
- Cloves – 4
- Green cardamom – 3
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
Flavor Base
- Ghee – 3 tablespoons
- Onion thinly sliced – 1 large
- Green chilies slit – 1 or 2
- Ginger finely sliced – 1 teaspoon
Garnish
- Cashews – 12
- Raisins – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh coriander leaves – chopped
👩🍳 Step by Step Preparation
🔹 Step 1. Washing and Soaking the Millet
Wash kodo millet thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 20 to 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and softer texture.
After soaking. drain the millet completely and keep aside.
🔹 Step 2. Cooking the Kodo Millet
Add soaked millet. water. and salt to a pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on medium flame. Allow pressure to release naturally.
Open the lid and fluff the millet gently using a fork. The grains should be soft and separate. Keep aside and allow to cool slightly.
🔹 Step 3. Preparing the Ghee Tempering
Heat ghee in a wide heavy bottomed pan on medium flame. Add cashews and fry until golden. Remove and keep aside.
In the same ghee. add raisins and fry until they puff up. Remove and keep aside.
Add cumin seeds. bay leaf. cinnamon. cloves. and cardamom. Sauté until aromatic and the ghee releases a rich fragrance ✨.
🔹 Step 4. Cooking the Onion Base
Add sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn light golden and caramelized. This step adds sweetness and depth to the ghee rice.
Add ginger and green chilies and sauté for a minute until aromatic.
🔹 Step 5. Combining Millet and Ghee Base
Add the cooked kodo millet to the pan. Mix gently so the millet grains remain intact and get evenly coated with ghee and spices.
Cover and cook on low flame for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir once gently. This allows the millet to absorb all the flavors fully.
Add fried cashews and raisins. Mix lightly and turn off the flame.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
😋 Serving Suggestions
Kodo Millet Ghee Rice tastes best when served hot. It pairs beautifully with
🥣 Vegetable kurma or paneer kurma
🥗 Onion raita or cucumber raita
🥭 Pickle for contrast
🥔 Papad for crunch
This dish works well as a main course for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
💡 Tips and Variations
✔ Always soak kodo millet for soft texture
✔ Use good quality ghee for rich aroma
✔ Do not over stir after adding millet
✔ Add mint leaves for extra freshness
✔ Adjust ghee quantity as per preference
🌿 Health Benefits
Kodo Millet Ghee Rice is rich in fiber. healthy fats. antioxidants. and essential minerals. It supports digestion. provides steady energy. and keeps you full without heaviness. Ghee enhances nutrient absorption and supports gut health when used in moderation.
This dish is suitable for diabetics in controlled portions. elders. kids. and people following millet based or gluten free diets. It is a great alternative to white rice ghee rice for long term balanced eating.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Kodo Millet Ghee Rice is a beautiful blend of simplicity. aroma. and nutrition. The soft millet grains. fragrant ghee. and whole spices create a dish that comforts the body and delights the senses ❤️.
Including such millet based rice alternatives in your routine allows you to enjoy classic Indian dishes with better health benefits. This ghee rice proves that millets can be elegant. indulgent. and deeply satisfying without being heavy.