Foxtail Millet Kadhi Rice is a healthy and comforting Indian one-pot style meal that brings together the tangy goodness of kadhi with the light, nutty texture of foxtail millet. Inspired by traditional kadhi-chawal, this recipe replaces polished rice with foxtail millet, making it far more nutritious, digestion-friendly, and suitable for everyday clean eating.
Kadhi has always been a soul-satisfying dish in Indian households—whether it’s Gujarati, Punjabi, or Rajasthani style. When paired with foxtail millet, the result is a perfectly balanced meal that is light on the stomach yet filling, ideal for lunch or dinner. The gentle sourness of curd, the warmth of spices, and the softness of millet create a dish that feels comforting without being heavy ✨.
If you are transitioning to millets or looking for healthier alternatives to rice-based meals, Foxtail Millet Kadhi Rice deserves a permanent place in your weekly menu 🌾💚.
🧾 Recipe Overview
- ⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- 🍳 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- 🍽️ Serves: 2–3 people
- 🌱 Diet Type: Vegetarian | Gluten-Free
- 💪 Best For: Digestion, weight management, diabetic-friendly diet
🌿 Why Choose Foxtail Millet?
Foxtail millet is one of the most versatile and nutritious millets. It has been consumed in India for centuries and is known for its ability to provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels 🩸.
🌟 Health Benefits of Foxtail Millet:
- ✅ Low glycemic index – ideal for diabetics
- ✅ Rich in dietary fiber – improves digestion
- ✅ Good source of protein & iron
- ✅ Helps control weight by keeping you full longer
- ✅ Easy to digest and gut-friendly
Replacing rice with foxtail millet in comfort foods like kadhi rice helps you enjoy traditional flavors with modern nutrition 🥗.
🛒 Ingredients List
For Cooking Foxtail Millet:
- 🌾 Foxtail millet – 1 cup
- 💧 Water – 2½ cups
- 🧂 Salt – to taste
For Kadhi:
- 🥣 Thick curd – 1½ cups
- 🌾 Besan (gram flour) – 2 tablespoons
- 💧 Water – 2 cups
- 🌕 Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
- 🌶️ Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
- 🧂 Salt – to taste
For Tempering:
- 🛢️ Oil or ghee – 2 tablespoons
- 🌼 Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- 🌰 Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- 🌿 Curry leaves – 1 sprig
- 🌶️ Dry red chilies – 2
- 🫚 Ginger – 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
- 🌾 Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
Optional Add-ins:
- 🧅 Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)
- 🥬 Coriander leaves – for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation Method
1️⃣ Cooking the Foxtail Millet
Wash the foxtail millet thoroughly and soak it for 10–15 minutes. Cook it with water and salt in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles or in an open pot until soft and fluffy. Spread the cooked millet on a plate to cool slightly so the grains remain separate 🌾.
2️⃣ Preparing the Kadhi Base
In a bowl, whisk curd and besan until smooth and lump-free. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and water. Mix well to form a thin, flowing kadhi mixture 🥣.
3️⃣ Cooking the Kadhi
Heat a thick-bottomed pan on medium flame and pour in the kadhi mixture. Cook while stirring continuously to prevent curd from splitting. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly and the raw taste of besan disappears ✨.
4️⃣ Preparing the Tempering
In a separate small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Add dry red chilies, curry leaves, ginger, hing, and onions (if using). Sauté until aromatic and lightly golden 🌿🔥.
5️⃣ Combining Tempering with Kadhi
Pour the hot tempering over the simmering kadhi. Mix gently and allow it to boil for another 3–4 minutes so the flavors infuse well 🌶️.
6️⃣ Assembling Kadhi Rice
To serve, place a generous portion of cooked foxtail millet on a plate or bowl. Pour hot kadhi over the millet and mix lightly. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves 🥬.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Foxtail Millet Kadhi Rice tastes best when served hot and fresh. You can pair it with:
- 🥗 Simple cucumber or onion salad
- 🌶️ Green chili pickle
- 🥔 Roasted or sautéed vegetables
- 🫓 Papad for crunch
This dish works beautifully as a comfort lunch, light dinner, or post-illness meal 🌞.
💡 Tips & Variations
- 🔥 Always cook kadhi on low to medium flame to avoid curd splitting
- 🧈 Ghee tempering enhances flavor and digestion
- 🥕 Add vegetables like bottle gourd or okra for variety
- 🍋 Add a little lemon juice if you like extra tang
- 🌶️ Adjust spice levels according to preference
🌟 Health Benefits of Foxtail Millet Kadhi Rice
- ❤️ Supports heart health
- 🩸 Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- 🌱 Improves digestion and gut health
- ⚡ Provides steady energy
- 🥗 Light, balanced, and nourishing meal
📝 Conclusion
Foxtail Millet Kadhi Rice is the perfect combination of traditional comfort and modern nutrition. It delivers the soothing taste of kadhi while offering the health benefits of millets, making it ideal for daily meals. Light yet satisfying, flavorful yet gentle on the stomach, this dish proves that healthy food can still feel like home 🌾💚.
Once you try this millet version of kadhi rice, you’ll never miss regular rice again—it’s comforting, wholesome, and truly nourishing.