Introduction
Cutlets are one of the most loved snacks across India. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and full of flavor, they are a favorite at tea time, during monsoons, and at small gatherings. In Andhra Pradesh, cutlets are usually made with potatoes, spices, and breadcrumbs. But when you bring millets into the recipe, the humble cutlet gets a healthy and nutritious twist.
Millet Cutlet combines cooked millet with mashed vegetables, herbs, and spices, shaped into patties, coated lightly, and shallow-fried until golden. The result is a guilt-free snack that retains all the taste and crunch of traditional cutlets while adding the wholesome goodness of millets.
Millets are rich in fiber, iron, and protein, making these cutlets not just a snack but a smart way to add nutrition to your family’s diet. They’re especially great for kids, who often love cutlets but may resist plain millet dishes. With the right blend of spices, even picky eaters will enjoy these.
Ingredients
For the Cutlet Mixture
- ½ cup cooked millet (foxtail, little, or barnyard millet works best)
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, corn – finely chopped & boiled)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- Salt – to taste
- Juice of ½ a lemon
For Coating & Frying
- 2 tbsp cornflour or rice flour (for binding)
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (for coating)
- 2 tbsp oil (for shallow frying)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cooking the Millet
- Rinse ½ cup millet of your choice (foxtail, barnyard, or little millet).
- Cook it with 1½ cups water until soft and fluffy. Spread on a plate to cool.
- Make sure the grains are separate and not mushy.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetable Mix
- Boil potatoes until soft, peel, and mash.
- Steam or boil mixed vegetables until just cooked. Drain excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cooked millet, and vegetables.
Step 3: Flavoring the Cutlet Mixture
- Add onion, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and coriander leaves.
- Sprinkle red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.
- Mix well and add lemon juice for freshness.
- If the mixture feels sticky, add a little cornflour or rice flour as a binder.
Step 4: Shaping the Cutlets
- Grease your palms with oil.
- Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into round or oval cutlets.
- Roll each cutlet lightly in breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Step 5: Cooking the Cutlets
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a nonstick pan.
- Place cutlets and shallow-fry on medium flame.
- Cook until both sides turn golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on kitchen tissue to remove excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot millet cutlets with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
- Pair with a cup of Andhra-style ginger chai for the perfect evening snack.
- Can also be used as a burger patty for a millet-based healthy burger.
- For kids, serve with cheese dip or mayonnaise for added appeal.
Tips & Variations
- Healthier version: Instead of shallow frying, bake the cutlets at 200°C for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicy variation: Add finely chopped green chilies or a dash of schezwan sauce to the mixture.
- Protein boost: Add boiled chana (Bengal gram) or mashed rajma (kidney beans) to the mixture.
- Gluten-free option: Use rice flour for binding and skip breadcrumbs or use powdered poha instead.
- Kids’ version: Reduce chili powder and shape the cutlets into fun shapes like hearts or stars.
Health Benefits
- Millets are a powerhouse of fiber, iron, and protein, making them great for digestion and energy.
- Potatoes and vegetables add vitamins and minerals, balancing the dish.
- Since these are shallow-fried, they are much lighter than deep-fried snacks.
- This snack is a low-glycemic index food, making it suitable for diabetics when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Millet Cutlet is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. By blending millets with familiar flavors of cutlets, you get a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Crispy outside, soft inside, and bursting with spices – this recipe is perfect for family tea times, kids’ tiffin boxes, or even party starters.
It’s a wonderful way to include more millets in your daily meals while enjoying a snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Try these cutlets once, and you’ll keep coming back to them!