Every year, International Millet Day is observed on December 19 to promote the health and nutrient benefits in the world. Millets are small grains packed with nutrition, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. They are versatile, gluten-free, and perfect for many delicious dishes.

To celebrate International Millet Day 2024, why not try some quick and easy millet recipes at home? Here are five simple millet-based dishes that are tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Millet Upma

Upma is a popular breakfast dish in India, and using millet makes it even more nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup foxtail millet

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 green chilli, chopped

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon urad dal

• 2 tablespoons oil

• Curry leaves, a few

• Salt to taste

• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the millet thoroughly and drain.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add urad dal and curry leaves.

3. Add the chopped onions and green chillies. Saute until onions are soft.

4. Add the rinsed millet and mix well.

5. Pour in water and add salt. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the millet is soft and fluffy.

6. Serve hot with coconut chutney.

Millet Khichdi

Millet khichdi is a comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barnyard millet

• 1/2 cup moong dal

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1/2 cup green peas

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 2 tablespoons ghee

• Salt to taste

• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse millet and moong dal.

2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds.

3. Add diced vegetables and sauté for a minute.

4. Add millet, moong dal, turmeric, and salt. Mix well.

5. Pour in water and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles.

6. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee and pickle.

Millet Porridge

Millet porridge is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for breakfast or as a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup little millet

• 2 cups milk (or plant-based milk)

• 2 tablespoons jaggery or honey

• A pinch of cardamom powder

• Chopped nuts and raisins for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the millet and cook it in water until soft.

2. Add milk, jaggery, and cardamom powder to the cooked millet.

3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.

4. Garnish with nuts and raisins. Serve warm.

Millet Salad

Millet salad is a refreshing and healthy salad that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked millet (any variety)

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or coriander

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix cooked millet, cucumber, tomato, and parsley in a bowl.

2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.

3. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well.

4. Serve fresh as a light meal or side dish.

Millet Pancakes

Ditch your usual pancake for millet pancakes, a more nutritious and delicious breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup millet flour

• 1/2 cup yogurt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• A pinch of salt

• Water as needed

• Honey or jam for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix millet flour, yoghurt, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add water to make a batter.

2. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter. Spread it slightly.

3. Cook on medium heat until bubbles appear. Flip and cook the other side.

4. Serve hot with honey or jam.