Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re excited to share a recipe for Millet Cutlets—a delicious and healthy snack or meal option that’s perfect for any time of the day. Packed with the goodness of millet and a medley of vegetables, these cutlets are not only flavorful but also highly nutritious. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

To make these tasty millet cutlets, you will need:

• 1 cup millet (foxtail, pearl, or any preferred type)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional, for added crunch)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes (for binding)
• Oil for shallow frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Millet

1. Rinse the Millet: Rinse the millet thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. Cook the Millet: In a medium-sized pot, add the rinsed millet and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the cooked millet with a fork and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a separate pot, boil the diced potatoes until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and mash them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Vegetables: If using fresh peas, lightly steam or cook them until tender. If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding.

Step 3: Prepare the Cutlet Mixture

1. Mix Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add the cooked millet, finely chopped onion, green chilies, ginger paste, grated carrot, peas, chopped coriander leaves, roasted peanuts (if using), cumin seeds, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Bind the Mixture: Add the bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes to the mixture. This will help bind the cutlets. Mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more bread crumbs.

Step 4: Shape and Cook the Cutlets

1. Shape Cutlets: Take a small portion of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it between your palms to form a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
2. Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and add enough oil for shallow frying.
3. Cook Cutlets: Place the cutlets in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve the millet cutlets hot with your favorite dipping sauce, green chutney, or yogurt dip.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or corn to the cutlet mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Binding Alternatives: You can use chickpea flour or ground oats instead of bread crumbs for binding.

Why Millet?

Millet is a versatile and highly nutritious grain. It’s gluten-free, rich in dietary fiber, and packed with essential nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. Including millet in your diet can help improve digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and support overall health.

Conclusion

Millet cutlets are a flavorful and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as a snack or a light meal. They’re easy to make, full of healthy ingredients, and perfect for satisfying your cravings in a wholesome way. Try this recipe and let us know how your cutlets turned out. Happy cooking!