HOW TO COOK MILLETS? / MILLETS COOKING BASICS / SAAMAI SADHAM / SAAMAI RICE

What are millets?

Millets, known as Sirudaniyam in Tamil, are small seeded grains, gluten free and  non-allergic. They are rich in fiber, iron, calcium and phosphorous. Also rich in protein, amino acids, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Benefits of millets:

Highly effective in reducing weight. Controls  blood sugar level. Lowers the risk of diabetes. Repairs body tissues. Prevents constipation. Prevents ulcers. Helps in easy digestion. Reduces the risk of cancer. Good for heart. Improves stamina. Improves  body metabolism. Controls arthritis. Improves skin disorders. Improves menstrual disorders. Lowers cholestrol and triglycerides. Magnesium in millets reduce the effects of migraine. Lowers high blood pressure.

Millets can be substituted for rice and wheat in day to day cooking. However, millets should not be consumed in great quantities by those with thyroid disease.

GLOSSARY OF MILLETS

Tamil	English	Hindi
Kuthiravaali	Barnyard millet	Jhangora
Saamai	Little millet	Kutki
Varagu	Kodo millet	Kodra
Pani varagu	Proso millet	Barri
Thinai	Foxtail millet	Kangni
Kambu	Pearl millet	Bajra
Kezhvaragu / Ragi	Finger millet	Mandua
Cholam	Sorghum	Jowar

Let  us start with the basics on cooking millets. How to cook millets? You can either cook it in a vessel or  pressure cook.

INGREDIENTS:

Any millet (Saamai, Kuthiravaali, Varagu or Thinai) - 1 cup

Water -  2 OR 2 1/4 cups  ( I used 2 1/4 cups)

METHOD:

Remove the grits and wash the millet well. Add water and pressure cook for 3 whistles. Serve with sambhar, rasam and  curd.

Vessel method: 

Any millet (Saamai, Kuthiravaali, Varagu or Thinai) - 1 cup

Water - 3 cups

Boil water in a pan. Remove the grits and wash the millet well. Drain the water completely. When water starts boiling, add the millet and cook  covered in medium heat until the water is absorbed and soft. Keep aside covered for 15 minutes. It will get fully cooked in the steam. Fluff with a fork. Serve with sambhar, rasam and  curd.

NOTE: If millet is cooked with less water it doesn't get cooked properly. As I prefer completely cooked millet, I use the above proportion. However,  you can adjust the water  level to suit your preference.