Introduction
Biryani, South India me ek festival aur special occasion dish hai, aur Andhra Pradesh ka dum-style biryani apni rich flavors aur aromatic spices ke liye famous hai. Traditional biryani me usually basmati ya sona masuri rice use hota hai, lekin is healthy version me hum Proso Millet (Chenoa in Telugu) use karenge.
Proso millet ek gluten-free, low glycemic index, and high-fiber grain hai, jo digestion-friendly aur diabetic-friendly biryani ke liye perfect hai. Is dish me aapko milega authentic Andhra masala flavor, tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and crunchy veggies—all without compromising health.
Ye biryani breakfast ya lunch me nahi, balki festive occasions aur lunchbox meals ke liye bhi ideal hai. Is blog me mai aapko step-by-step bataunga kaise aap Andhra-style Proso Millet Vegetable Biryani ghar par perfect bana sakte hain.
Ingredients
For Cooking Proso Millet
- Proso Millet – 1 cup
- Water – 2 ½ cups
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Oil – ½ tsp
For Vegetables & Masala
- Carrots – ½ cup, diced
- Beans – ½ cup, chopped
- Capsicum – ½ cup, chopped
- Green Peas – ½ cup
- Onion – 1 medium, sliced
- Tomato – 1 large, chopped
- Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
- Green Chilies – 2–3, slit
- Fresh Coriander – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mint Leaves – 1 tbsp, chopped
- Oil / Ghee – 2 tbsp
For Spices
- Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
- Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
- Garam Masala – ½ tsp
- Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
- Bay Leaf – 1
- Cloves – 2
- Cardamom – 2
- Cinnamon Stick – 1 inch
Optional Garnish
- Fried Cashews – 1 tbsp
- Raisins – 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Proso Millet
- Wash proso millet thoroughly and soak for 20–30 minutes.
- Boil 2 ½ cups water in a pan, add salt and soaked millet.
- Cook on medium flame until soft and fluffy. Drain any excess water and keep aside.
2. Preparing Vegetable Masala
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add onion slices and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for 1–2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Mix in carrots, beans, capsicum, and green peas. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
- Add chopped mint and coriander leaves. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Layering & Dum Cooking
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, layer half of the cooked millet.
- Spread half of the vegetable masala over it.
- Repeat with remaining millet and vegetable masala to create layers.
- Optional: Sprinkle fried cashews, raisins, and lemon juice on top for extra aroma and flavor.
- Cover the pan tightly with a lid.
- Cook on low flame (dum) for 8–10 minutes, allowing spices to blend with millet.
- Switch off flame and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with curd (perugu) or raita.
- Pair with pickle or papad for authentic Andhra style.
- Perfect for festivals, lunch, or dinner.
Health Benefits of Proso Millet Biryani
- High in Fiber: Helps digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Gluten-Free & Low Glycemic Index: Safe for diabetics.
- Rich in Protein & Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, and iron.
- Light & Digestive: Unlike traditional rice biryani, easier to digest.
- Weight Management Friendly: Healthy yet filling alternative to regular biryani.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook millet separately to prevent mushiness.
- Always layer millet and masala for proper flavor infusion.
- Use gingelly oil or ghee for authentic Andhra taste.
- Resting the biryani for 5 minutes post-dum enhances aroma and flavor.
- Customize vegetables based on season and preference.
Variations
- Spicy Andhra Style: Add ½ tsp extra red chili powder or Andhra chili paste.
- Mixed Millet Biryani: Combine proso millet with foxtail or little millet for added nutrition.
- Vegan Version: Skip ghee and use oil.
- Paneer or Tofu Version: Add cubes of paneer or tofu in the vegetable masala.
Conclusion
Proso Millet Vegetable Biryani is a wholesome, nutritious, and aromatic Andhra dish. It combines the authentic dum-style biryani flavors with the health benefits of millet, making it perfect for diabetics, health-conscious individuals, and anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free festive meal.
This gluten-free, fiber-rich, and flavorful biryani is easy to make at home and keeps all the traditional Andhra aroma intact. Serve hot with raita or curd for a complete, delicious meal.