Introduction

Welcome back to our culinary corner! Today, we’re thrilled to share a vibrant and healthy recipe: Little Millet Lemon Rice. This dish is a twist on the traditional South Indian lemon rice, substituting little millet for rice. Little millet is a nutrient-dense grain that’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals. This tangy and refreshing dish is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Little Millet Lemon Rice:

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup little millet
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 large lemon

Tempering Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• A few curry leaves
• 1/4 cup peanuts or cashew nuts
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Little Millet

1. Rinse and Cook: Rinse the little millet under running water. In a pot, add the rinsed millet, 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Boil and Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the millet is cooked and the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempering

1. Heat Oil: In a large pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add Mustard Seeds: Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add Lentils and Spices: Add the urad dal, chana dal, dried red chilies, slit green chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
4. Add Nuts: Add the peanuts or cashew nuts and sauté until they turn golden and crunchy.

Step 3: Combine and Flavor

1. Mix Millet: Add the cooked little millet to the pan with the tempering.
2. Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the lemon juice and mix well to ensure the millet is evenly coated with the lemony flavor.
3. Season: Add salt to taste and mix well.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve: Serve the Little Millet Lemon Rice warm, accompanied by a side of raita, papad, or pickle.

Tips and Variations

• Additional Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
• Adjust Spice: Adjust the number of green chilies and dried red chilies to suit your spice preference.
• Crunchy Addition: Add roasted sesame seeds or grated coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Storage: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and enjoyed as a quick meal.

Conclusion

Little Millet Lemon Rice is a tangy, refreshing, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With the goodness of little millet and the zesty flavor of lemon, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out our other healthy and delicious recipes on the blog. Until next time, happy cooking!