Why have more millets this winter?

Dr Bhavna Sharma, India head, nutrition science department, ITC Limited said that during the winter season, including millets in one’s diet can be a game-changer. “Millets like pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni), and finger millet (ragi) are not just delicious but also provide warmth and nourishment,” said Dr Sharma.

These millets are rich in complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly, keeping one warm and energised throughout the chilly months.

“Ragi consumption helps in maintaining good bone health, good skin health, and hair during this dry season, given high calcium and protein content. Additionally, their high fibre content aids digestion and boosts immunity, making millets the perfect choice to stay healthy and hearty during winter,” said Dr Sharma.

Millets also have a low glycemic index, which means they help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of sudden spikes and crashes, mentioned Dr Gadhavi. “This is particularly important during the holiday season when sweet treats abound. Furthermore, millets are gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease,” added Dr Gadhavi.

They are a versatile addition to your winter meals, easily incorporated into soups, stews, porridges, and more. “Incorporating millets into your winter diet not only nourishes your body but also supports your immune system, helping you ward off seasonal illnesses,” shared Dr Gadhavi.

Here’s a special recipe for Winter Millet Cutlet from chef Anahita Dhondy.

“Today’s recipe is an exciting and simple party starter idea that uses all our winter vegetables – gajar (carrot), gobhi (cauliflower) and shalgam (turnip)!,” said Dhondy on her Instagram.

Ingredients

1/2 cup – Foxtail millet upma
Sweet potato mixture (1 boiled sweet potato, 1 chopped green chilli, ½ chopped onion)
1 no – Carrot, grated
1 no – Turnip, grated
1/2 no – Cauliflower floret, grated
Salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of garam masala

Method

*Add the millet to a pan and roast it. Add in water as per package instructions and let it cook well.
*Once the water is fully absorbed by the millet upma, remove it from the heat and spread it thin on a plate to cool.
*Grate carrot, turnip, and cauliflower. Add salt to the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes so the water gets released.
*Squeeze out all the water from the grated mixture.
*Mix in the sweet potato mixture and millets upma.
*Add all spices and bind them well with your hands.
*Shape them and cook in a spoonful of ghee on a pan.
*Cook them well on both sides till they turn brownish in appearance.
*To make the dip, simply mix achar masala with some yogurt!
*Serve these hot and sprinkle some chat masala for an extra chatpata flavour!

Chef’s tip – To make your prep easy, you can always make this mixture ahead of time. You can add any other vegetables of your choice and replace the sweet potato with aloo!

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

From the homepage

Rajasthan student’s body found in Russian dam after 19 days; family seeks probe, early repatriation

‘Sowed the seeds of partition’: PM Modi alleges Congress dropped important stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’

Pune deal case live: Ajit Pawar says sale deed stands cancelled, not a single paisa exchanged