Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re going to prepare a delicious and nutritious dish – Sama Chawal Pulao. Also known as Barnyard Millet Pulao, this dish is gluten-free and perfect for those following a fasting diet. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make Sama Chawal Pulao, you will need:

• 1 cup Sama Chawal (Barnyard millet)
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Ghee or Oil
• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick
• 2-3 Cloves
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 small Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Green chili, slit
• 1/2 inch Ginger, finely chopped
• 1 Carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup Green peas (fresh or frozen)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Sama Chawal

1. Rinse and soak: Wash sama chawal thoroughly and soak in water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Making Sama Chawal Pulao

1. Heat ghee/oil: In a pressure cooker or deep pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Tempering: Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add aromatics: Add thinly sliced onion, slit green chili, and finely chopped ginger. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
4. Add vegetables: Add diced carrots and green peas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Cook sama chawal: Add soaked and drained sama chawal to the pot. Stir well to coat with the tempering.
6. Add water and salt: Pour 2 cups of water and add salt to taste. Mix well.
7. Cooking: Cover the pressure cooker with a lid and cook on medium heat for 1 whistle. If using a pot, cover with a lid and cook on low heat until the water is absorbed and millet is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
8. Fluff and garnish: Once cooked, fluff the pulao gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 3: Serving

1. Serve hot: Serve the Sama Chawal Pulao hot, garnished with coriander leaves and accompanied by lemon wedges if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Spices: You can customize the spices according to your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder or garam masala can enhance the flavor.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or beans for added nutrition and flavor.
• Nuts: You can also garnish with toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for crunchiness.

Nutritional Benefits

Sama chawal (barnyard millet) is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it a healthy alternative to rice. It is also low in glycemic index, making it suitable for diabetic-friendly diets.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this nutritious Sama Chawal Pulao in your meals!