Introduction: Step into the world of wholesome goodness with our Barnyard Millet Upma recipe! Upma, a popular South Indian breakfast dish, gets a healthy twist in this recipe by using barnyard millet, a nutritious grain packed with essential nutrients. Join us as we explore the simplicity and nourishment of Barnyard Millet Upma and discover a delicious way to start your day on a healthy note.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barnyard millet
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• A handful of curry leaves
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the barnyard millet under running water and drain well.
2. In a saucepan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot ghee/oil. Let them splutter.
4. Add urad dal and chana dal to the pan. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
5. Add slit green chilies and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
6. Add finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
7. Add mixed vegetables to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
8. Add the rinsed barnyard millet to the pan and mix well with the vegetables and spices.
9. Pour in 2 cups of water and season with salt according to taste. Stir well to combine.
10. Cover the pan with a lid and let the upma cook over medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the millet is cooked through and water is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. Once cooked, remove the lid and fluff the Barnyard Millet Upma with a fork.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
13. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Variations:

• You can customize the vegetables used in the upma according to your preference. Other options include bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
• For added flavor, you can add grated ginger or garlic to the upma.
• You can also garnish the upma with roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional Information: Barnyard Millet Upma is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Barnyard millet is gluten-free and low in calories, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to maintain a healthy diet. This dish is light yet filling, providing sustained energy to kick-start your day.

Conclusion: Barnyard Millet Upma is a delicious and wholesome breakfast option that’s perfect for the entire family. With its fluffy texture, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, this upma is sure to be a hit at the breakfast table. Whether enjoyed hot or warm, Barnyard Millet Upma is a nutritious way to start your day on a delicious note. Give this recipe a try and experience the nourishing goodness of barnyard millet in every bite!