In modern Indian kitchens, millets are making a grand comeback — not just as traditional meals but as creative, healthier replacements for everyday dishes. One such star recipe is Barnyard Millet Dhokla, a light, spongy, protein-rich Gujarati snack made even better by replacing rice with barnyard millet (known as Sanwa, Samvat Chawal, or Bhagar). This version is gluten-free, easy to digest, and loaded with the goodness of vegetables, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even tiffin boxes.
Dhokla has always been a favourite — soft, airy, slightly tangy, and wonderfully satisfying. When you swap regular semolina or rice batter with barnyard millet, you get a nutritious twist without changing the comforting character of dhokla. Whether you are looking to lose weight, reduce carbs, manage diabetes, or simply include wholesome foods in your diet, this millet dhokla is a fantastic match.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that combines health with irresistible Gujarati flavours!
🌾 Why Barnyard Millet? (Sanwa/Bhagar Benefits)
Before we jump into cooking, it’s worth understanding why barnyard millet is such a powerhouse grain:
🥗 High in Fibre – Supports digestion and keeps you full longer
💪 Rich in Protein – Great for vegetarians
🔥 Low Glycemic Index – Helps regulate blood sugar
🩺 Heart-Friendly – Packed with magnesium and antioxidants
🌱 Gluten-Free & Easy to Digest – Ideal for fasting, detox, and light meals
🥄 Low in Calories – Perfect for weight-loss diets
This millet cooks quickly, has a mild flavour, and acts as an excellent base for soft, spongy dhoklas.
🥦🥕🫑 Ingredients You’ll Need (Veggie Packed!)
🌾 Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Barnyard Millet (Sanwa/Bhagar)
- ½ cup Curd (slightly sour)
- 1 cup Water (adjust as needed)
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tbsp Oil
🥕 Veggies & Add-ins
(Use colourful veggies for taste & nutrition)
- 🥕 ¼ cup Grated Carrot
- 🌽 2 tbsp Sweet Corn (optional)
- 🫑 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Capsicum
- 🟩 1 tbsp Green Peas
- 🌿 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped
- 1 tsp Grated Ginger
- 1–2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
🌟 To Activation
- 1 tsp Eno Fruit Salt (for fluffiness)
🍃 Tempering
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 8–10 Curry Leaves
- 2 Green Chillies, slit
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 tsp Sugar
👩🍳 How to Make Barnyard Millet Dhokla (Step-by-Step Guide)
🥣 Step 1 – Prepare the Batter
Wash the barnyard millet thoroughly and soak for 1 hour. Drain and grind into a smooth paste using curd and a little water.
Transfer the batter to a bowl and add grated veggies like carrot, capsicum, peas, ginger, and green chillies.
Mix well and add salt.
Let the batter rest for 15–20 minutes.
🔥 Step 2 – Activate the Batter
Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt and 1 teaspoon water.
You’ll see the batter foam up — this is what makes dhokla soft and airy.
Mix gently (don’t over-stir).
🍲 Step 3 – Steam the Dhokla
Grease a dhokla plate or steel tin with oil.
Pour the batter immediately.
Steam for 15–18 minutes on medium heat.
Check by inserting a toothpick — it should come out clean.
Let it cool slightly and cut into cubes.
🌿 Step 4 – Prepare the Tempering
Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves.
Once they crackle, add ¼ cup water and a little sugar.
Pour this flavour-packed tempering evenly over the dhokla.
🍽️ Step 5 – Serve Fresh & Fluffy
Garnish with coriander.
Serve warm with:
- 🌿 Green chutney
- 🧄 Garlic chutney
- 🥣 Sweet yogurt dip
- 🍋 A squeeze of lemon
🌟 Why This Millet Dhokla Is Perfect for You
✔️ Gluten-free & light
✔️ Perfect for breakfast, snacks & fasting days
✔️ High-fibre, weight-loss friendly
✔️ Packed with vegetables & protein
✔️ Easy to digest — great for kids & elders
✔️ Soft, fluffy, and 100% delicious
Barnyard millet dhokla keeps you full without making you feel heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce millets into everyday meals.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair this millet dhokla with:
- 🌿 Mint coriander chutney
- 🥭 Mango pickle
- 🧄 Spicy garlic chutney
- 🍃 Pudina yogurt dip
- ☕ Masala chai
- 🥤 Buttermilk
This combination works beautifully for breakfast, evening snacks, or a light dinner.
🔄 Variations to Try
🔥 Masala Millet Dhokla – Add sautéed onions & spices
🌱 Palak Millet Dhokla – Add spinach purée
🫘 Protein Dhokla – Add moong dal batter
🥬 Vegetable Loaded Version – Add beetroot, cabbage, or zucchini
🧀 Kids’ Favourite – Mix in a little cheese
Each variation brings a new flavour while keeping the dish healthy.
❤️ Conclusion
Barnyard Millet Dhokla is a beautiful blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. Soft, fluffy, slightly tangy, and loaded with veggies — this millet-based snack is perfect for anyone who loves healthy food without giving up flavour. Whether you’re feeding kids, managing diet goals, or simply experimenting with millets, this recipe fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.
Try this dhokla once, and it may just become a weekly staple in your kitchen!