FINGER MILLET-BARLEY-ALMONDS NUTRI-PORRIDGE/கேழ்வரகு-பார்லி-பாதாம் கஞ்சி/கூழ்

                                                             

Finger millet is a rich source of calcium that is good for strengthening the bones for growing children and old people. Regular consumption of Fingermillet in any form is good for bone health and keeps osteoporosis at bay thereby reduce the risk of fracture,  It is gluten-free and packed with the richness of fibres, good carbs, amino acids and vitamin D. Finger millet is packed with a good amount of Vitamin D that is mostly derived from direct sunlight.  Vitamin D is a carrier of calcium which is a vital source of our body.

Since it is naturally loaded with calcium, it is one of the best non-dairy sources of calcium. It is extremely a healthy option for growing kids and can be given in the form of Ragi porridge.

The low glycemic index maintains the blood sugar levels within the safe range. Finger millet is working magically for maintaining the youthful skin. There are vital amino acids like Methionine and Lysine in finger millet maintain the skin wrinkle-free and sag-free.

Finger millet is well known for the natural source of iron content and hence it is a boon for anaemic pregnant mothers and people who suffer from Jaundice.

The high amount of dietary fibres present in the Fingermillet cereal keep the stomach full for a longer time and prevents unwanted cravings. If we want to get its all the essential contents of finger millet it is advised to consume in the morning and track the whole day energetic.

Almonds are richly packed with healthy fats. antioxidants, vitamins and minerals Its nutritional profile state " Every one ounce about 20-23 almonds provides  6 grams of protein and 4 gms of fibre, vitamin E 35%  magnesium 20% riboflavin 20% Calcium 8% and potassium 6% They are sodium-free so that it is highly beneficial for the people with hypertension. Vitamin E present in almonds supports immune function since it confers antioxidant properties, Moreover, it contains 6 per cent of the daily recommended iron that helps in the production certain hormones and works as the carrier of oxygen to the muscles.

Barley contains a considerable amount of vitamins especially vitamin B compounds such as niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and beta-glucans, minerals, rich content of fibre, molybdenum, manganese and selenium. It acks folate and riboflavin.  All these enhance the production of new cell formation.

It supports weight loss.

It contains Zinc, phosphorous, copper, magnesium and calcium which are contributing to bone health and maintaining a strong skeletal system.

Soaking these cereals overnight increase the richness of vitamins and minerals.

Now let us make this nutritious and delicious Finger millet-Barley-Almonds Porridge/Koozh

Ingredients we need:

Finger millet one cup

Barley 1/2 cup

Almonds 20-23 pcs

Water for soaking

Procedure:

Soak the Finger millet, Barley and almonds in water overnight.

Rinse thoroughly and drain the excess water.

Grind to a smooth paste adding sufficient quantity of water.

Strain the ground millet contents through a strainer 

Heat the millet milk on medium flame.

Keep on stirring to avoid lumps.

The milk is fastly transformed into porridge.

Turn off the heat.

Porridge is ready to serve either with milk or buttermilk.

If you want to have with sweetness, add cane sugar and crushed cardamom and 25 ml milk

or you can have it with buttermilk or milk, adding 1/2 tsp salt and grated ginger.

Both are tasteful and optional.

Cooking time 8 minutes

Yield: Four persons

சிவப்பு அவல் வெல்லப் பொங்கல்/RED BEATEN RICE SWEET PONGAL/RED POHA SWEET PONGAL

Red Poha/Red Beaten Rice/Red flattened Rice/சிவப்பு அவல் is one of the healthiest options, packed with iron and vitamin B and other important minerals that are needed to our body health.

It is more trending now across India. Red Poha/Aval is made from red rice. The red colour of the rice is due to the presence of pigment, Anthocyanin which is also a flavonoid. The bran layer remains intact in Red Poha/Aval/Red Beaten Rice, while processing. This bran contains rich fibres, Vitamin B and minerals such as calcium, manganese, zinc, iron,  magnesium and other antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals thereby preventing cancer.

Red Beaten Rice Jaggery Pongal/Sivappu Aval Vella Pongal/Red Poha sweet Pongal can be easily made in quick-fix mode.

Ingredients:

Red Poha/Red Beaten Rice/Red Flattened Rice/Red Poha/Sivappu Aval 200 g

Water 3.5 cups

Organic Jaggery 250 gm

Fresh Desi Ghee/Cow ghee/Clarified Butter 4 tbsp+1 tsp

Raisins 10 pcs

Whole Cashews 15 pcs

A mustard size Edible Camphor

Freshly crushed Cardamom seeds 1/2 tsp

Procedure:

Dry roast the red Poha/Beaten rice/Aval on medium heat for 2 minutes.

Bring 3.5 cups water to a rolling boil with one tsp ghee.

Once water gets boiled, add dry roasted Poha/Aval/Red beaten rice and stir to combine.

Let the red Poha/Beaten rice/Aval cooked soft and entire water utilized for cooking.

Now add roughly crushed jaggery and stir to melt and dissolve.

Once jaggery blended with aval/Poha, add fried cashews, raisins. Add 2 tbsp ghee again.

Add crushed cardamom seeds and a mustard sized edible camphor.

Mix well to combine on low heat for 5 seconds.

Turn off the heat.

Ready to serve/offer/enjoy

Cooking Time 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings.

FOXTAIL MILLET PONGAL

Foxtail millet is rich in iron and minerals and dietary fibre.  It is totally pest-free. It lends a yummy taste in Upma, Kichadi, meal and Pongal. It is a very healthy alternative to rice and wheat. Diabetic-friendly food. Low glycemic food; We can make so many healthy twists using this wonderful millet. foxtail millet Pongal is easy to make.

Do follow the steps below:

Ingredients, we need:

Foxtail millet 150 gms
Moong dal 50 gms
Water 250 ml
Cashews 10 pcs chopped
Groundnut oil 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Pepper 1 tsp
Ghee 1 tsp
Green chilly  slit
Curry leaves 20 pcs
Rock salt 3/4 tsp

Procedure:

Wash the foxtail millet +Moong dal with water twice.
Drain the water. Add 250 ml water.
Heat 3 lit cooker with groundnut oil on medium flame.
Add cumin seeds and pepper 
Once they start to fry add green chilly, curry leaves.
Transfer the millet-dal contents 
Add rock salt/salt
Allow boiling. 
Check the salt taste. add if needed.
Close the cooker and place the whistle.
Allow 2 whistles and simmer it for 2 minutes.
Set aside to cool down. (15 minutes)
Heat the tempering pan with one tbsp ghee.
Add cashews and fry until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked millet Pongal and fold gently.
Pongal is ready to serve hot/warm.
Pongal tastes yummy and it goes very well with coconut chutney and sambar.
We like to have solo with one tsp ghee.

Happy and comfort cooking!

PASIPAIYIRU KANJI

This kanji or porridge is traditionally common for breakfast in Tamilnadu. This is very nutritious and especially for kids and adult parents as a simple and easily digestible meal. This very comfort meal suits to every being without age bar.


How to make this simple and yummy kanji/porridge?

Ingredients:

Rice one cup
Green gram half a cup
Cumin seeds one spoon
water as required
Salt to taste
Pepper powder one spoon
Ginger gratings optional
Asafoetida half a pinch
Bellary onion finely grated

Procedure:

Soak the rice and whole green lentil in water for one hour.
Wash the rice and green gram thrice and transfer them in a pressure cooker.
Add salt, cumin seeds, pepper powder, asafoetida and water three cups of water.
Switch one the flame and pressure for one whistle and simmer the flame and wait for another whistle about to start.
Switch off the flame and set aside to release the pressure.
Remove the weight and mash the cooked ingredients using a ladle.
Add two cups of boiling water and stir again to form the porridge consistency.
Check the salt and serve warm.
Add onion gratings and green chillies (optional)
You can have it with cow milk also.

Mix with half a cup of milk and you may feed this nutritious and healthy porridge to your toddlers.