We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But let's be honest; sometimes, finding quick and healthy breakfast options can be challenging with growing health concerns like obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. Are you tired of repetitive breakfast options that leave you feeling heavy or low on energy? Give millets a try! Offering high fibre, protein, and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and iron, millet recipes for breakfast are gluten-free and perfect for quick and wholesome meals.
The popularity of the best millet recipes lies in their adaptability. From soft, spongy idlis and crispy dosas to creamy porridges and refreshing salads, these healthy grains can transform your breakfasts into a health and taste treat.
If you're unsure how to make millet breakfast recipes in Indian style, worry no more! This blog explores nine irresistible millet recipes for breakfast that are easy to prepare, offer many health benefits, and are the best ways to eat millet. So, let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
1. What Dishes Can Be Made From Millet? 9 Breakfast Recipes
2. Is Millet Good For Breakfast?
3. What Is The Best Way To Eat Millet?
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
What Dishes Can Be Made From Millet? 9 Breakfast Recipes
Millets are healthy grains offering essential nutrients and are a delicious plus healthy alternative to refined grains. Popular millets include foxtail, pearl, sorghum, and proso millet, each boasting unique flavours and nutritional profiles. They can be included in various meal chores; consider trying these nine millet recipes for breakfast mealtimes:
1. Pearl Millet Khichdi (Bajra Khichdi)
Pearl millet, or Bajra, is high in fibre, which keeps your digestive system healthy and properly regulates blood sugar counts. It offers iron and magnesium to boost immunity and bone health. These easy, healthy breakfast ideas give complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. Also, Bajra is gluten-free and suitable for celiac disease. This dish is also high in antioxidants, promoting digestive wellness.
Ingredients:
- Pearl millet (Bajra) – 1 cup
- Moong dal (yellow split lentils) – ½ cup
- Ghee – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
- Green chilli – 1, finely chopped
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 3 cups
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Wash the pearl millet and moong dal thoroughly.
2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they splutter.
3. Add grated ginger and chopped green chilli, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the washed millet and dal mixture, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir for a minute.
5. Add water and pressure cook for nearly 3-4 whistles, then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally, then stir the khichdi and serve hot.
2. Foxtail Millet Mixed Salad
This whole grain is high in fibre and suitable for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. It is high in antioxidants and has a low glycemic index for people with diabetes. This salad is packed with potassium and magnesium, which help support heart health. Also, the combination of vegetables adds phytonutrients, promoting skin health and immune function.
Ingredients:
- Foxtail millet – 1 cup
- Cucumber – 1, diced
- Tomato – 1, diced
- Carrot – 1, grated
- Red onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves – a handful, chopped
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Rinse the foxtail millet and cook it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water until soft.
2. Let the millet cool down to room temperature.
3. Mix the diced cucumber, tomato, grated carrot, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
4. Add the cooled foxtail millet to the vegetable mix.
5. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad, plus season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish properly with fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled.
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3. Sorghum Flatbread Roll (Jowar Bhakri)
Sorghum (Jowar) is a gluten-free grain high in protein and dietary fibre, helping build muscle and digestion. It is rich in iron, promoting red blood cell production, and contains calcium, supporting bone health. This flatbread is easy to digest and provides sustained energy as a nutritious, wholesome breakfast.
Ingredients:
- Sorghum flour (Jowar atta) – 1 cup
- Water – as needed
- Salt – to taste
- Ghee – for cooking
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. In a large bowl, mix the sorghum flour and salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixed dough until smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the millet dough into small balls and roll each ball into a plain circle using a rolling pin.
4. Heat a tava or griddle over medium heat and cook each flatbread on both sides, applying a little ghee.
5. Once cooked, roll the flatbread and serve with your favourite dip or vegetable filling.
4. Little Millet Lemon Rice (Samai Rice)
Little millet, or Samai millet for weight loss, is a low-calorie, high-fibre grain for weight management and digestive health. It offers B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin, which help boost metabolism. Adding lemon provides vitamin C, enhancing immune function and skin health. This millet rice is also a great source of iron and calcium, supporting blood and bone health.
Ingredients:
- Little millet (Samai) – 1 cup
- Lemon – 1, juiced
- Green chili – 1, slit
- Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Curry leaves – a few
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Water – 2 cups
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Rinse the little millet thoroughly and cook it in a pot with 2 cups of water until soft.
2. Heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, and sauté until aromatic.
3. Add the slit green chilli and sauté for another minute.
4. Stir in the cooked millet and salt, mixing well.
5. Pour the lemon juice over the rice and mix again.
6. Serve hot with a side of yoghurt or pickle.
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5. Foxtail Millet Upma
This breakfast offers plant-based protein and fibre, supporting digestion and blood sugar levels. It is also high in iron, which improves circulation and prevents anaemia. Foxtail millet also contains magnesium and phosphorus, suitable for bone health and metabolic function. This upma is a light yet nutritious breakfast that keeps you energised.
Ingredients:
- Foxtail millet – 1 cup
- Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas) – 1 cup, chopped
- Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Green chillies – 2, chopped
- Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 2 cups
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Dry roast the foxtail millet in a pan for 2-3 minutes and set aside.
2. Heat oil and add mustard, cumin, and green chillies.
3. Add the grated ginger and chopped vegetables, sautéing for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the foxtail millet, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for nearly 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally until the millet absorbs all the water and becomes soft.
6. Serve hot with coconut chutney or yoghurt.
6. Finger Millet Idli (Ragi Idli)
Ragi is undoubtedly high in calcium, supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis. It is rich in dietary fibre, aiding digestion and promoting satiety, and suitable for weight management. Ragi is also full of iron, which reduces anaemia and boosts energy. These healthy Indian snacks are a low-glycemic index food, ideal for diabetics, as they help maintain stable blood sugar counts.
Ingredients:
- Finger millet (Ragi) flour – 1 cup
- Idli rice – 1 cup
- Urad dal (split black gram) – ½ cup
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as needed
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Soak idli rice, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for 6 hours.
2. Grind the soaked ingredients into a plain, smooth batter, adding water as needed.
3. Mix the Ragi flour with the ground batter and adjust the consistency with water.
4. Add salt and let the batter ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours.
5. Pour the batter into greased idli moulds and steam for 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve hot with fresh coconut chutney or sambar.
7. Proso Millet Dosa
Proso millet is one of the best gluten-free millet types in India that can level up your fitness. It is a protein-rich grain, making it a great energy source. It is high in magnesium, which helps maintain heart health and regulate blood pressure. The grain’s antioxidants protect against harmful radicals, while its dietary fibre aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. This dosa offers a nutritious alternative to rice options.
Ingredients:
- Proso millet – 1 cup
- Urad dal – ½ cup
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as needed
- Oil – for cooking
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Rinse and soak the proso millet, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds in water for nearly 6 hours.
2. Grind the soaked mixture into a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
3. Add salt to the batter and let it ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and carefully pour a ladle of batter, spreading it into a thin circle.
5. Drizzle oil around the edges and properly cook until golden brown.
6. Flip if needed, and serve hot with chutney or sambar.
8. Finger Millet Porridge (Ragi Porridge)
This nutritious breakfast is high in calcium, benefiting bone health and strength. It contains iron, which helps improve haemoglobin levels, and amino acids, which support muscle repair and growth. Its slow-digesting carbohydrates are good for sustained energy, while its antioxidants enhance skin health and reduce inflammation.
Ingredients:
- Finger millet (Ragi) flour – 3 tablespoons
- Water – 2 cups
- Milk (optional) – 1 cup
- Jaggery – 2 tablespoons (or to taste)
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Mix Ragi flour with a little water to form a lump-free paste.
2. Boil nearly 2 cups of water in a saucepan and add the Ragi paste.
3. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, cooking on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add milk, jaggery, and cardamom powder, and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve warm as a wholesome breakfast.
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9. Ragi Makhana Dates Smoothie
This smoothie combines Ragi's calcium and iron richness with the protein and fibre from makhana (fox nuts) and the natural sweetness of dates, making it a nutritious breakfast option. It supports bone health, boosts energy, and aids digestion. The mix of antioxidants and minerals promotes wellness and keeps you full.
Ingredients:
- Finger millet (Ragi) flour – 2 tablespoons
- Makhana (fox nuts) – ¼ cup
- Dates – 4-5, pitted
- Milk or almond milk – 1 cup
- Water – ½ cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
Steps To Make This Millet Recipe For Breakfast:
1. Dry roast the makhana until crispy and grind into a fine powder.
2. Mix Ragi flour with water to form a paste.
3. In a saucepan, cook the Ragi paste with water on medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Blend the cooked Ragi, makhana powder, dates, milk, and cardamom powder until smooth.
5. Pour into a standard glass and serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Also Read: 6 Nutritious Rice Flour Breakfast Recipes: Diet & Benefits
Is Millet Good For Breakfast?
Millet is a great choice for breakfast because it gives you long-lasting energy. It's like slow-release fuel for your body, keeping you full and alert for hours. As a whole grain, it's brimming with complex carbohydrates that release energy gradually, preventing those mid-morning energy crashes. This slow and steady energy supply from different types of millet keeps you feeling full and focused throughout the morning, allowing you to tackle your day with vigour.
Furthermore, It has lots of fibre, which helps your tummy feel good and steady your blood sugar. This enables you to avoid those mid-morning cravings and keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals. This way, starting your day with a millet-based breakfast ensures your body has the necessary building blocks for wellness.
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Also Read: Here Are 10 Wholesome & Healthy Snacks For Kids To Enjoy Any Time!
What Is The Best Way To Eat Millet?
The best way to consume millet is to cook it like a grain! Visit Toneop Eats for more such nutritious low-calorie breakfast recipes! Try these delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Combine millet with lentils and vegetables: Create a hearty dal with millet and mixed vegetables or a flavorful millet khichdi.
- Make millet flour pancakes or waffles: Enjoy delicious pancakes with maple syrup or savoury millet waffles with avocado and salsa.
- Include millet into muffins, bread, and cookies: Bake millet muffins with berries, enjoy millet bread with spreads, or indulge in millet chocolate chip cookies.
- Use cooked millet in salads, soups & stews: Add millet to low-calorie meal prep salads or a comforting millet vegetable soup.
- Top millet with fruit, nuts, seeds, and yoghurt: Create a nourishing millet breakfast bowl with berries and nuts or a refreshing fruit salad with coconut yoghurt.
- Add herbs, spices, or seasonings to millet: Flavor your millet with herbed millet pilaf using dill and parsley or spiced millet with cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Also Read: 8 Health Benefits of Ragi Malt And Recipes
The Final Say
To wrap up this collection of millet recipes for breakfast, remember that millet is a versatile and nutritious grain that offers a delicious and healthy way to start your day. The possibilities are endless, from simple millet porridge topped with fresh fruit and nuts to savoury millet pancakes with vegetables. You can also experiment with organic millet flour in muffins, breads, and even waffles. So, experiment with different flavours to find your favourite way to enjoy this healthy grain!
FAQs
1. What are different millet types for cooking?
There are many types of millet, including foxtail millet, pearl millet, sorghum, and proso millet. Each type has its unique flavour and nutritional profile.
2. Is millet gluten-free?
Yes, millet is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a safe and healthy option for people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
3. Can millet be stored long-term?
Yes, millet can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
4. What are the best millet recipes for Indians to lose weight?
There are many delicious millet recipes for weight loss. Some popular Indian options include millet porridge, roti, and khichdi. You can also add millet to soups and salads to boost fibre and protein.
References
- https://prabhatjournal.com/10-traditional-millet-breakfast-indian-recipes/
- https://www.indianveggiedelight.com/indian-millet-recipes/
- https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/recipes/millets/
- https://rakskitchen.net/recipes/millet-recipes/
- https://keeros.in/blogs/news/10-delicious-millet-based-breakfast-recipes-for-a-healthy-start-to-your-day?srsltid=AfmBOooPHeh1h1834WtONqGTGiYqG6Ilm0rWKTVdC5_ux5CsKquw0d4C
- https://cookpad.com/in/search/foxtail%20millet%20breakfast
About ToneOp Eats
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