Rajan loves cooking dishes from his native Indian cuisine. He likes to share his favourite recipes with his online readers.

Unique Pulao Made With Millet

Pulao, or pulav, is a traditional Indian rice dish that is typically prepared with white rice. This particular pulao is a bit different, however, as it is made with kodo (millet) instead of white rice.

Millet is sometimes considered to be nothing more than bird feed, but it has actually been a traditional grain for thousands of years—especially so before wheat and rice became popular after the Green Revolution in the 1960s. Interestingly, millet provides superior health benefits relative to either wheat or rice.

Do try this kodo millet pulao for a change and share your experience.

Cook Time

Ingredients

For the vegetables:

• 1 tbsp cold pressed peanut oil, or any oil of your choice
• 1 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped palak (spinach)

For the millet:

• 1 cup kodo millet (kodra), washed and soaked in water overnight or at least for 7-8 hours
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cold pressed peanut oil

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat, then add the jeera and let them crackle.
2. Add the sliced onion and saute for about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the green peas, sliced mushrooms, carrots, chopped green beans, sliced bell pepper, salt, and garam masala. Saute for about 3 minutes.
4. Add 1/4 cup water and stir for 1 minute. Add the palak and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Cook until the veggies are tender but still retain their crunch. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Into a wok, add the kodo millet and soaking water. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp oil. Keep the heat on high and let the water come to a boil.
6. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water dries up and the millet is cooked. This should take about 15 minutes.
7. Remove the wok from the heat, add the sauteed veggies, and stir until well mixed. Cover with a lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve the pulao with gravy of your choice, plain yoghurt, or a simple pickle.

Kodo Millet Pulao Recipe

© 2021 Rajan Singh Jolly