Introduction: Indulge in a bowl of creamy goodness with our Millet Curd Rice recipe. This South Indian classic gets a healthy twist with the addition of wholesome millets, creating a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this soothing and delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

For Cooking Millets:

• 1 cup mixed millets (any combination of foxtail millet, little millet, pearl millet, etc.)
• 2 cups water
• A pinch of salt

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
• A few curry leaves
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• Salt, to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 2 cups thick yogurt (curd)
• 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional, for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional, for crunch)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Millets:
   • Rinse the mixed millets under running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
   • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millets and water. Add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the millets simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the millets are cooked through.
   • Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff the millets with a fork. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Tempering:
   • Heat oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
   • Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
   • Turn off the heat and add chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
3. Mix the Millets and Yogurt:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked millets and thick yogurt (curd).
   • If using, add milk to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
   • Mix well until the millets are evenly coated with yogurt.
4. Add Tempering and Other Ingredients:
   • Pour the prepared tempering over the millet-yogurt mixture.
   • Add grated carrot and roasted peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
   • Season with salt according to taste.
5. Mix Well and Chill:
   • Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Millet Curd Rice for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the rice to cool.
6. Serve:
   • Once chilled, give the Millet Curd Rice a final stir.
   • Garnish with pomegranate seeds and additional chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
   • Serve the creamy and refreshing Millet Curd Rice as is or with a side of pickle or papad.

Variations:

• For a vegan version, you can use plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt.
• Customize the tempering by adding finely chopped green chilies, grated coconut, or cashew nuts.
• You can also add finely chopped cucumber, green grapes, or mangoes for a refreshing twist.

Nutritional Information: Millet Curd Rice is a light and nutritious dish that’s rich in fiber, probiotics, and essential nutrients. Millets provide complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while yogurt offers probiotics and protein. This dish is also low in fat and calories, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Conclusion: Millet Curd Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. With its creamy texture, refreshing flavor, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to please your palate and nourish your body. Try making it at home and enjoy the comfort of this South Indian classic with a healthy twist.