Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a comforting and nutritious soup recipe: Bengali Millet Soup. This soup is made with millet, vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a hearty dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing bowl of goodness. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup foxtail millet (mori dal)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Millet

1. Rinse the foxtail millet under running water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed millet to the boiling broth/water.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the millet is cooked and tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Add diced carrots, potatoes, green beans, and green peas to the pot.
2. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the cooked millet along with any remaining broth/water from cooking.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

1. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Taste and adjust salt and spices according to your preference.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the Bengali Millet Soup from heat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower based on your preference.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
• Consistency: The soup should be hearty with a good balance of vegetables and millet.

Serving Suggestions

Bengali Millet Soup is best served hot as a comforting meal on its own or with crusty bread or crackers on the side. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be enjoyed year-round.

Conclusion

Bengali Millet Soup is a wholesome and nourishing dish that combines the goodness of millet with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Bengali Millet Soup with your loved ones!

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