Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a comforting and nutritious breakfast option: Bengali Millet Porridge. Porridge is a warm and soothing dish that is not only easy to digest but also highly versatile. In this recipe, we use millet to create a gluten-free and wholesome porridge that is enriched with the flavors of Bengal. This dish is perfect for starting your day on a healthy note or as a comforting meal anytime. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup millet (foxtail or pearl millet)
• 4 cups water or milk (or a combination of both)
• 2-3 tablespoons jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and Prepare the Millet

1. Rinse the millet under running water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water (or milk) to a boil.

Step 2: Cook the Millet

1. Add the rinsed millet to the boiling water (or milk).
2. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the millet is cooked and the mixture thickens to a porridge consistency. This will take about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sweetener and Flavorings

1. Once the millet is cooked and the porridge has reached your desired consistency, add jaggery or sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir well until the sweetener is dissolved and the flavors are infused into the porridge.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. In a separate small pan, heat ghee (clarified butter) over medium heat.
2. Fry the chopped nuts and golden raisins until the nuts turn golden brown and the raisins plump up.
3. Pour the ghee-nuts-raisins mixture over the prepared Bengali Millet Porridge.
4. Mix well and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Consistency: Adjust the amount of water or milk to achieve your desired porridge consistency—thicker or thinner, as per your preference.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of jaggery or sugar according to your taste preference.
• Variations: You can add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Bengali Millet Porridge is traditionally served hot as a breakfast dish or as a comforting meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of fresh fruits, nuts, or yogurt.

Conclusion

Bengali Millet Porridge is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines the health benefits of millet with the rich flavors of Bengal. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a wholesome start to your day. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Bengali Millet Porridge with your loved ones!

I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this recipe! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!