Kodo Millet Idli Recipe by Millet Maagic Meal

Idli is that soothing, comforting, everyday breakfast that leaves you filled while also being easy on the stomach. But how about making it even more nutritious by replacing the rice, high in glycemic index, with fibre-rich millet ? Enter Kodo Millet, Millet Maagic’s very own hot-selling delicacy. Kodo millet, also called varagu in Tamil and arikelu in Telugu, is a nutrient-dense millet that offers multiple benefits ranging from aiding weight management to, managing sugar levels in the body, to helping with digestion. Want to know how you can make Kodo Millet Idli yourself at home? Read along.

Health Benefits of Kodo Millet in Idlis

 

 

Nutritional Profile: As you can see in the below table Kodo millet has high fiber, protein and nutrient values as opposed to regular white rice. Regular intake of Kodo millet therefore helps in correcting digestive issues, and a relatively lower glycemic index is beneficial for diabetics whose blood sugar spikes are not rapid unlike rice.

Nutrient	Kodo Millet (100g)	White Rice (100g)
Energy	302 kcal	356 kcal
Protein	8.03 g	6.5 g
Carbohydrate	69.9 g	80 g
Fiber	8.5 g	1.4 g
Calcium	22 mg	10 mg
Iron	9.9 mg	4.4 mg

Further, the low calorific value of kodo millet also translates to better management of weight and maintaining the calorie deficit for those who watch their weight.

Varagu Stuffed Idli Recipe (Kodo Millet Idli by Millet Maagic Meal)

Ingredients:

Idli Batter (prepared using kodo millet)

Potato Masala Stuffing:

• Potato – 3 large (boiled and mashed)
• Onion – 1 (chopped)
• Ginger – 1 tsp (chopped)
• Green chili – 2 (chopped)
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Salt to taste

Seasoning:

• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – ¾ tsp
• Bengal gram (chana dal) – 2 tsp
• Curry leaves – a few

Preparation Steps:

Potato Masala Stuffing:

• Boil the potatoes and peel them after they’re cooked.
• Heat oil in a pan; add urad dal, mustard seeds, chana dal, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until they splutter.
• Add chopped ginger and green chili, followed by onions. Sauté until onions are soft.
• Add turmeric powder and salt, mix well.
• Add mashed potatoes, stir thoroughly, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

Varagu Stuffed Idli:

• Grease the idli molds and pour a small amount of kodo millet idli batter into each mold.
• Add a spoonful of potato masala stuffing to each batter-filled mold.
• Cover with another layer of batter and steam for 15 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Kodo Millet Idli Batter

• Fermentation: To achieve soft, fluffy idlis, allow the batter to ferment overnight or for at least 8-10 hours in a warm place. Proper fermentation is essential as it not only improves the texture of the idlis but also enhances their nutritional profile by making nutrients more bioavailable. For best results, prepare the batter in the evening and leave it covered in a warm corner of your kitchen.
• Consistency: The consistency of the batter should be medium – neither too thick nor too runny. A thick batter can lead to dense, heavy idlis, while an overly watery batter will prevent them from holding shape. For an ideal texture, the batter should gently flow from the spoon but not be overly liquid. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a little water, especially if the batter thickens after fermentation.
• Steaming: Even steaming is key to perfectly cooked idlis. When using an idli steamer, ensure the molds are spaced slightly apart to allow good circulation of steam around each mold. This helps the idlis cook evenly, producing a soft texture throughout. Steaming time is typically around 12-15 minutes on medium heat; avoid opening the lid during this time to retain the steam and ensure uniform cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

• Pair with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or hot sambar for an authentic South Indian experience.
• Variations: Try different stuffing, like spiced veggies or paneer, for a twist on the traditional stuffed idli.

FAQs

• How to store millet idli batter for reuse? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can different millet varieties be substituted? Yes, foxtail millet or pearl millet can work well as substitutes.
• Nutritional comparison: Kodo millet vs. other millets for idlis. Kodo millet is lower in carbs and has a lower glycemic index, making it a good choice for those managing blood sugar.
• Can Kodo millet idlis be made without fermentation?
  Yes, you can make instant idlis by adding fruit salt or baking soda to the batter for quick rise. However, traditional fermentation enhances the taste and texture.
• Is Kodo millet idli suitable for weight loss?
  Kodo millet is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a filling and nutritious choice that can support weight loss when part of a balanced diet.