Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Sweet Pearl Millet Porridge. This creamy and nutritious breakfast dish is perfect for starting your day with a burst of energy and flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl millet (bajra), soaked overnight
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup jaggery or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried fruits
• Fresh fruits (bananas, berries, or mangoes) for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pearl Millet:

Drain and rinse the soaked pearl millet. In a large pot, combine the pearl millet with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the millet is soft and cooked through.

2. Add Milk and Sweeteners:

Once the millet is cooked, add the milk, jaggery or brown sugar, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine. Continue to cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

3. Optional Ghee/Butter:

If you like, add a tablespoon of ghee or butter to the porridge for extra richness and flavor. Stir until melted and well incorporated.

4. Add Nuts and Dried Fruits:

Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried fruits. Allow the porridge to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Serve:

Ladle the sweet pearl millet porridge into bowls. Top with fresh fruits of your choice and an extra sprinkle of nuts if desired.

6. Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and nutritious Sweet Pearl Millet Porridge as a hearty breakfast or a comforting dessert.

Tips:

• Soaking: Soaking the pearl millet overnight helps to soften it and reduce cooking time.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less jaggery or sugar.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or vanilla extract for added flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the consistency.

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Sweet Pearl Millet Porridge as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to incorporate the benefits of pearl millet into your diet. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy cooking!

4o