Top 10 Millet Recipes For Breakfast

What with diseases like diabetes, heart ailments and cancer on the rise and people turning towards healthier food options, millets are now a favorite when it comes to alternatives for rice and wheat. Millet is a broader term that encompasses several types like pearl millet, finger millet, little millet, barnyard millet, etc. Millets are packed with nutrition and are gluten-free. Once known as the poor man’s food, the humble millet is now making its way into every household, especially in states like Tamil Nadu. Here is a list of the best breakfast recipes you can make with a variety of millets.

1. Thinai Pongal / Foxtail Millet Pongal

Foxtail millet that is known as thinai in Tamil, korralu in Telugu and Navane in Kannada is a protein-rich, diabetic-friendly millet type that has been used in Tamil cuisine since the Sangam period. If you are looking for a much healthier version of pongal, this recipe will come in handy.

2. Kuthiraivali Pongal / Barnyard Millet Pongal

Another super healthy Pongal recipe is this one made with kuthiravali or barnyard millet. This millet is known for its high levels of B-complex vitamins and is gluten-free too.

3. Kambu Dosa / Pearl Millet Pongal

Pearl millet or kambu is a widely grown grain in India and is packed with proteins and essential amino acids. It is rich in calcium, iron, minerals and vitamin E. This dosa made with pearl millet is perfect for a nutritious breakfast.

4. Kambu Koozh / Pearl Millet Porridge

An age-old recipe that is a summer favorite in Tamil Nadu, this porridge is the ultimate body-cooling breakfast you’re looking for to beat the heat. Packed with nutrition, this dish helps balance body temperature to keep you cool under the scorching sun.

5. Pearl Millet and Moong Dal Khichdi Recipe

A traditional Rajasthani recipe, this khichdi is an excellent source of protein, iron, folic acid, and fiber. Popularly recommended for pregnant women, this is a recipe that can be perked up according to your palate. It is that versatile, and tastes delicious with raita or khadi.

6. Farali Dosa / Sanwa Millet Dosa

Known as samai in Tamil, Sanwa Millet is rich in nutrients such as iron, fiber, minerals, and calcium. This crispy dosa is yummy, nutritious and can be made with veggies and served with chutney for a wholesome meal.

7. Ragi Malt

A popular health drink that is consumed in many households, ragi malt can also be a breakfast dish on its own. Ragi/finger millet / kelvaragu / kooragu has anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous and anti-microbial properties and also helps you look young. What more do you need?!

8. Ragi Adai

Adai is a kind of thick dosa made in Tamil Nadu and this one made with ragi is rich in iron and makes for a great breakfast. Serve it with a tangy chutney for enhanced flavors and you will fall in love with this humble dish.

9. Ragi Dosa

Another dosa recipe that is as tasty as it is healthy, this is made with fermented ragi flour, urad dal, and idli rice. You can go creative with this recipe and throw in a few veggies or spices to make it even more delicious.

10. Four Flour Dosa

A dosa that combines the goodness of wheat, pearl millet, white millet and ragi, this is the ultimate nutrition-packed breakfast that you can’t say no to. Serve it with sambar and chutney and you have one of the most healthy breakfasts there is.

Try these recipes and make your breakfasts a nutrition-packed meal to get your day going.