Before diving right into the barnyard millet health benefits, it’s worth noting that this grain is often overlooked in many Indian homes. However, we’re missing out on something truly healthy! Barnyard millet is high in fiber, phosphorous, and calcium, with the bran layer being a good source of B-complex vitamins. What sets it apart is its low glycemic index, making it perfect to prevent or deal with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Among all kinds of millet, this is the one with the lowest carbohydrate content, making it ideal for weight-watchers. It’s time to embrace the goodness of barnyard millet and unlock its incredible health benefits.

Barnyard Millet can be included in our daily diets very easily in the form of upma , dosa , porridge. Today we have a simple and quick breakfast recipe using barnyard millet – a chilla made from barnyard millet flakes and bottle gourd.

Barnyard Millet Health Benefits: A Nutritious Grain

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Barnyard millet, also known as Echinochloa frumentacea, is a nutritious grain that offers a range of health benefits. From being gluten-free to providing essential minerals, barnyard millet is a versatile addition to a healthy diet. Let’s explore the specific barnyard millet health benefits:

1.Gluten-Free: Barnyard millet is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.

2.High in Fiber: Barnyard millet is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, aids in maintaining regular bowel movements, and contributes to overall digestive health.

3.Essential Minerals: Barnyard millet is packed with essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Iron plays a vital role in red blood cell production, while calcium and phosphorus are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

4.Low Glycemic Index: With its low glycemic index, barnyard millet releases glucose into the bloodstream at a slower and steadier pace. This quality can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Incorporating barnyard millet into your meals allows you to enjoy these specific barnyard millet health benefits while diversifying your grain choices. Whether you have specific dietary needs or are simply looking for a nutrient-dense grain, barnyard millet is a wholesome option to consider.

Barnyard Millet and Bottle Gourd Chilla

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup 100% Organic Barnyard Millet Flakes
• 1 cup grated Bottle gourd
• 2 tbsp Chickpea flour / Besan
• 1 green chilly
• 1/2 inch Ginger piece
• 1 tsp of white Sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp Carom seeds
• 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp Ghee

Method:

1. Dry roast the barnyard millet flakes in a heated pan for 2-3 minutes on a low to medium flame till it starts turning brown.

2. Pulse the roasted Barnyard millet in a grinder to obtain a coarse powder. Keep aside. Also grind green chilly and ginger to a paste.

3. Peel and grate a small bottle gourd .

4. In a mixing bowl, add the grated bottle gourd , powdered barnyard millet , cumin powder , carom seeds, ginger chilly paste. and salt .

5. Using water as required, mix all the ingredients together to make a dough. Since the dough was a little crumbly, I added 2 tbsp of chickpea flour to bind everything together.

6. Now take a portion of the dough and using your fingers spread the dough to a round flat bread . Use a little water to seal the edges . Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chilla and press it lightly so that it sticks well.

7. Heat a non stick skillet and drizzle a few drops of ghee. Cook the chilla from both sides on a low to medium flame until crispy and golden brown in colour. You can add some more ghee in the process.

8. Remove the chilla on to a serving plate. Add a dollop of home made butter over it and serve hot with pickle of your choice or just like that.

This is a delicious and healthy gluten free recipe to start the day with, and it also makes for a good lunchbox option for kids and adults. Since the chilla itself is so flavorful, you hardly need any accompaniments to go with it – just pickle and some thick curd will do!