Foxtail Millet Khichdi | Thinai Khichdi Recipe

Bajra Khichdi is one of those dishes that I turn to when I want something light, filling and nutritious. The comfort of this simple recipe is unmatched. And it’s made very quickly with basic pantry ingredients. Healthy recipes don’t have to be boring – this khichdi is proof of that.

This khichdi is the easiest way to include millet in our diet. It doesn’t sound like diet food at all – in fact, it’s delicious, comforting, and delicious. The mixture of vegetables, spices and soft cooked millet makes it a balanced and satisfying meal. I make this recipe on my cool mornings when I want to eat something hot.

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About Bajra Khichdi

Bajra Khichdi is a nutritious dish made from foxtail millet, mixed vegetables and simple spices. This recipe uses millet instead of rice, making it a lighter and more nutritious option with a softer and slightly grainy texture – perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is a great option for children and adults.

Millets are often considered bland, but in this khichdi, foxtail millet is sautéed with onions, tomatoes and vegetables like carrots, beans and peas, mixed with mild spices that create magic. This is one of the easiest millet recipes if you are just starting out with millet-based meals.

This recipe is easily customizable – you can omit or change the vegetables, add moong dal for extra protein, or even make it with other millets like small millet, barnyard millet, pearl millet, etc. This recipe is perfect for people recovering from illness or those who prefer light food as it is easy to digest, and its mild spice level makes it ideal for children.

Millet Khichdi Ingredients

• Foxtail Millet – This is the main ingredient, use good quality millet, do not skip soaking.
• Oil, mustard, urad dal – For tempering, imparts a nutty flavor and a slight crispness.
• Curry leaves, green chilli – Adds flavor and heat.
• Onion, Tomato – These add flavour, mild spiciness and moisture to the dish.
• ginger garlic paste -Ginger garlic paste enhances the taste of the dish.
• Carrots, Beans, and Green Peas – These vegetables add color and texture.
• turmeric powder- It adds a beautiful yellow color and warmth to the khichdi.
• Water – Helps cook the millet soft and fluffy.
• coriander leaves – Adds freshness and is used for decoration.

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Why does this recipe work

• This is a quick and healthy one-pot dish.
• It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Great way to include millet in your diet.
• It is a balanced recipe rich in carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• This recipe works well for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• This is a gluten-free and diabetic-friendly recipe.
• Easy on stomach and good for all age groups.

How to make Bajra Khichdi step by step

1.Wash the thinai, soak it in water for 20 minutes and keep it aside. Heat oil in a pressure cooker – add the items listed under ‘To temper’, let it splutter, then add onion and ginger garlic paste.

2. Add tomatoes and fry until raw smell comes out, then add vegetables along with turmeric powder and necessary salt and fry for 2 minutes.

3.Drain the water from the thinai and add it to the vegetables, mix quickly. Add water and pressure cook on low medium flame for 3 whistles. Once the pressure is released, open it and inflate it.

Serve warm/hot.

Expert Tips

• Wash the millet thoroughly before soaking it. Soak foxtail millet for 20 minutes to reduce cooking time.
• – To make Khichdi more delicious, add cashews fried in ghee.
• You can add 1-2 tablespoons of moong dal for extra flavor and protein.
• I have used 2 cups of water but if you want more fluffy khichdi then use 1.5 cups of water.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables – a little crispiness gives a better texture.
• You can add lemon juice at the end for freshness. Finally garnish with coriander leaves.
• You can also add 2 tbsp of moong dal along with the millet for added flavour.
• While serving, add a teaspoon of ghee to enhance the aroma and taste.

serving and storage

Serve Bajra Khichdi with a drizzle of hot ghee. You can eat it with curd, raita, pickle etc.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat with a splash of hot water and stir gently before serving.

general questions and answers

1. Can I skip soaking the millet?

For foxtail millet, soak for 15-20 minutes for texture and digestion, but it can also be cooked directly, but it takes more time.

2. Can I use other millets?

Yes, you can use small millet, barnyard millet, or kodo millet. Adjust the water measurement accordingly.

3. Is this dish good for weight loss?

Yes, it is low in calories, high in fiber and keeps you full for longer.

4. Why does millet khichdi become dry after some time?

Millet absorbs water even after cooking. Add hot water and mix gently to loosen the mixture before serving.

5. Can I make this in an open pan instead of a pressure cooker?

Yes, it can also be cooked directly, although it takes a little more time.

6. Which topping goes well with Bajra Khichdi?

Ghee, roasted cashews, peanuts or lemon juice taste very good with it.

If you have any further questions about this Bajra Khichdi Recipe Mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. Also, follow me Instagram, Facebook, pinterest ,youtube And Twitter .

tried this Millet A dish in South Asian cuisine made of rice and lentils recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Tag us @sharmispassions on Instagram and hash tag #sharmispassions.

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