Easy and Quick Little Millet Upma Recipe by Millet Maagic Meal

It’s a busy day. you are in a rush and a long elaborate nutritious breakfast is out of the question. You then quickly pivot to making the quickest and easiest option available. Of Course you make upma. But wait? How nutritious is it? Worry not as we let you in our special Millet Meal’s recipe of little millet upma. This recipe probably takes you the same amount of time you take for regular upma while also providing nutrition and keeping you filled all throughout the day. 

Ingredients List

For this tasty millet upma recipe, you will need:

• Samai rice – 1 cup
• Chopped onion – 1
• Chopped chilies – 1-2
• Grated ginger – 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
• Somf (fennel seeds) – ¼ tsp
• Chana dal – ¼ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Ghee – 1 tbsp
• Curry leaves – a few
• Coriander leaves – for garnish

Preparation Steps

 

Step 1: Dry Roast the Samai Rice

In a kadai (wok), dry roast the Samai rice over medium heat until it gives out a pleasant aroma. This step enhances the flavour of the millet.

Step 2: Temper the Spices

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds, somf, chana dal, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mustard seeds begin to crackle.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Water and Rice

Pour in 2 ½ cups of water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the roasted Samai rice, mixing well.

Step 5: Cook on Low Flame

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the millet to absorb the water.

Step 6: Finish with Ghee and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the lid and add a tablespoon of ghee on top. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with coconut chutney.

Also check our little millet dosa recipe here. 

Tips for Perfect Millet Upma

• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the number of chilies to suit your spice preference.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding carrots, peas, or tomatoes for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Cooking Variations: For faster preparation, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
• Add Nuts: For a more nutty and delicious flavour, consider adding peanuts and cashews.

Nutritional Benefits of Little Millet

Little Millet, also known as samai in Tamil or samalu in Telugu, is a nutrition powerhouse. It is rich in fibre, has a low glycemic index of around 64, and is naturally gluten-free. These qualities make it an ideal choice for those looking to manage their weight or control blood sugar levels. The high fibre content also promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Little Millet is a nutritional powerhouse! For a quick and healthy snack, try our Little Millet Snack Pack.

Little Millets - Nutrients per 100g
Energy (Kcal)	314
Protein	10.13g
Carbohydrate	65.55g
Crude Fibre	7.72mg
Calcium	32.00mg
Iron	1.30mg

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your millet upma with delicious accompaniments such as:

• Coconut chutney
• Tomato chutney
• Sambar

For an added twist, squeeze a bit of lemon over your upma for a tangy finish! For a different way to incorporate Little Millet, you can also try  our Millet Ragi Thattai in your Dinning.

Also check our kodo millet idli recipe here.

Common FAQs

Q1: How to make millet upma?

Simply follow the preparation steps outlined above to create a delicious millet upma.

Q2: Can I use other types of millet for making upma?

Yes, you can substitute Samai with other millets like Kodo millet or Ragi millet for varied flavours and textures.

Q3: How to cook millet upma without it turning mushy?

To avoid a mushy texture, maintain a water-to-millet ratio of approximately 2.5:1 and ensure not to overcook the millet.

Q4: Is little millet suitable for children?

Absolutely! Little millet is highly nutritious and easy to digest, making it a great food choice for children. Its high fibre content aids in digestion, and its rich nutrient profile supports their growth and development. Just ensure it’s cooked well and served in an appropriate consistency.

Q5: How can I enhance the flavour of millet upma?

You can enhance the flavour of millet upma by adding a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. Additionally, spices such as turmeric or black pepper can be included for extra warmth and flavour. Serving it with coconut chutney or lemon juice also adds a delightful tang.

Q6: Can I prepare millet upma in advance?

Yes, millet upma can be prepared in advance. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and freshness. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.

 

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.