Kodo Millet Recipes

Kodo Millet Recipes: Healthy & Delicious Dishes for Every Meal

Kodo millet or varagu in Tamil and arikelu in Telugu, is a nutritional powerhouse that is making its  comeback into the mainstream food scene today. It can be used as a rice substitute and can be included in a variety of dishes like idli, and upma, to dessert like payasam and laddoos, making it a very versatile grain. Want to try some Kodo millet recipes at home? Here we go!

 

Why Kodo Millet is a Superfood

Nutritional Benefits

  • High Fiber & Protein: Kodo millet is rich in crude fibre making it an ideal meal to keep you full for longer, thus aiding in weight management. It is also rich in protein content keeping those unwanted hunger pangs away.

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Kodo millet has a high amount of antioxidants that fight the external stressors called freeradicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

  • Gluten-Free: It is gentle on the stomach and perfect for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

  • Low Glycemic Index:  Yes, that's right. This means no more unwanted rapid sugar spikes after your meal. This makes it a top choice for those with diabetes.


Breakfast Recipes with Kodo Millet

1. Kodo Millet Idli Recipe 

Looking for a twist on our classic South Indian staple brekky? Try the Kodo millet idli!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet

  • 1 cup urad dal (split black gram)

  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds

  • Salt to taste

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Wash and soak Kodo millet, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds separately for 6 hours.

  2. Grind the urad dal to a smooth batter and the millet to a slightly coarse texture.

  3. Mix both batters, add salt, and allow it to ferment overnight in a warm place.

  4. Pour the batter into greased idli molds and steam for 10–12 minutes.


2. Kodo Millet Dosa Recipe 

Always think twice before eating a dosa thinking about the calories? Try the healthier kodo millet dosa!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet

  • ½ cup urad dal

  • 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds

  • Salt to taste

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Wash and soak Kodo millet, urad dal, and fenugreek seeds for 6–8 hours.

  2. Grind them all into a smooth batter and let it ferment overnight.

  3. The next day, heat a dosa pan, spread the batter, and drizzle with oil of your choice.

  4. Cook until crisp and golden.


3. Kodo Millet Upma 

Elevate your regular upma with the filling and energizing kodo Millet upma. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet

  • 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1–2 dried red chilies

  • Curry leaves, chopped vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)

  • Salt to taste

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Roast Kodo millet for 2–3 minutes until aromatic. Set aside.

  2. Heat coconut oil in a pan, add mustard and cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

  3. Add curry leaves, chilies, and vegetables, and sauté until tender.

  4. Add 2 cups of water, salt, and roasted millet.

  5. Cover and cook on low heat until the millet grains are fluffy. Garnish with coriander.


Main Course Recipes

1. Kodo Millet Pulao 

A fragrant, one-pot dish loaded with vegetables, nuts, and the creamy richness of coconut milk, Kodo millet pulao is a delicious alternative to traditional rice pulao.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet

  • 2 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil

  • 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)

  • ½ cup coconut milk

  • 2 tbsp cashews or almonds

  • Salt and spices (turmeric, garam masala) to taste

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Rinse Kodo millet and soak it for 15–20 minutes.

  2. Heat oil in a pan and saute the above mentioned spices, followed by vegetables and nuts.

  3. To this, add soaked millet, 1 ½ cups water, coconut milk, and salt. Mix well.

  4. Cover and cook on low heat until the millet is tender and fluffy.


2. Kodo Millet Khichdi 

Kodo millet khichdi is a perfect bowl meal that you can have in place of your same old rice khichdi. Top it off with some ghee to make it more flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet

  • ½ cup split yellow moong dal (or toor dal)

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil or ghee

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 cup chopped vegetables (zucchini, pumpkin, beans)

  • Spices: turmeric, black pepper, ginger paste

  • Salt to taste

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Wash and soak Kodo millet and dal for 15 minutes.

  2. Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker, sauté cumin seeds, onions, and ginger.

  3. Add vegetables, turmeric, and soaked millet and dal. Mix well.

  4. Add 3 cups of water and salt. Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles.


Kodo Millet Khichdi

 

Sweet Recipes with Kodo Millet

1. Kodo Millet Laddu Recipe 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kodo millet flour 

  • ½ cup powdered jaggery 

  • 2 tbsp ghee 

  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)

  • 1 tsp cardamom powder

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Roast Kodo millet flour on low heat until it turns aromatic. Set aside.

  2. In a pan, heat ghee and lightly roast the nuts. Add grated coconut if using.

  3. Mix the jaggery with the roasted millet flour, nuts, and cardamom powder.

  4. Slowly add melted ghee, combining well to form a dough-like consistency.

  5. Shape the mixture into laddus and let them set for 10–15 minutes.

2. Kodo Millet Payasam (Kheer) 

Creamy, comforting, and naturally sweetened, Kodo millet payasam is a healthier take on traditional kheer.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Kodo millet

  • 3 cups milk 

  • ½ cup jaggery (powdered)

  • 2 tbsp ghee 

  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts and raisins

  • 1 tsp cardamom powder

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Wash and cook Kodo millet in 1 cup of water until soft. Set aside.

  2. Heat ghee in a pan, roast the nuts and raisins, and set them aside for garnishing.

  3. In the same pan, combine cooked millet and milk, stirring continuously on low heat.

  4. Add jaggery and cardamom powder, and mix well until the jaggery dissolves.

  5. Add roasted nuts and raisins before serving.


Weight-Loss-Friendly Kodo Millet Recipes

1. Millet Salad with Fresh Vegetables 

A light and refreshing salad packed with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked Kodo millet

  • Chopped vegetables (cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • Fresh herbs (mint, coriander)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Toss cooked millet with chopped vegetables.

  2. Drizzle lemon juice, add salt, pepper, and garnish with herbs.


2. Stir-Fried Kodo Millet with Tofu 

A quick and protein-packed dish for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked Kodo millet

  • 100g tofu or paneer (cubed)

  • Chopped veggies (carrots, beans, broccoli)

  • 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)

  • 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil

Steps:

  1. Saute veggies in oil, then add tofu or paneer.

  2. Stir in cooked millet and soy sauce (optional). Cook for 2–3 minutes.



Cooking Tips and FAQs

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Idli batter not fermenting?

    • Keep the batter in a warm spot.

    • Add a pinch of fenugreek seeds for better fermentation.

How to Cook Kodo Millet Perfectly

  • Soak & Rinse: Soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

  • Water Ratio: Use 1:2 (millet to water) for fluffy grains or 1:2.5 for softer textures.

  • Cooking Method: Simmer on low heat until water is absorbed.

 

Liked this article? Follow our other blogs for awesome and healthy millet recipes and benefits! 

Check out our range of gluten free, healthy millet delights here.

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