20 mins
15 minsFoxtail millet is another versatile grain from the minor millet family. The kernel has a sweet yet nutty flavour. Hence, it is often used diversely throughout Indian cuisine to put a healthier spin on existing loved dishes. In this Paniyaram recipe, we have put a spin on the dish that has been well-treasured all over the south of India. Switch your regular paniyaram to a foxtail millet one to boost your snack's nutritional profile. This shallow-fried millet and lentil dumplings with traditional South Indian spices recipe is easy to recreate. Moreover, it can serve up to two to three people at a time. Let us tell you how.
Here’s a simple guide to making foxtail millet paniyaram:
Step 2: Carefully drain the excess water from both (soaked millets and urad dal).
Step 3: Blend urad dal and fenugreek seeds along with just enough water to make a thick and smooth batter.
Step 4: Grind the Foxtail millet similarly and keep it aside.
Step 5: Add the foxtail batter to the urad dal batter. To which add 2 teaspoons of salt or as preferred and give it a good stir to combine. Allow the batter to ferment for 5-6 hours or even overnight.
Step 6: Once the batter is fermented, gently stir it so as to not release the air pockets formed in the batter.
Step 2: Next, add onion, capsicum, ginger, curry leaves, green chilli and sauté. Finally, add coriander at the end and mix well.
Step 3: Add the sautéed ingredients to the batter.
Step 4: Heat the paniyaram pan (casting iron pan makes better ones than other material) and grease with oil. Pour the batter into the mould. Cover with a lid and let it cook for at least 2 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the little paniyarams over and pour 1 tbsp of oil around them. Again, cook for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Cut off heat once done. Transfer them to a serving plate.
Serve the paniyarams hot, preferably with a side of coconut or tomato chutney.
Foxtail is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It is a potent source of protein, the highest among millets. The fibrous properties of millet are accompanied by a group of micronutrients and phytochemicals. These support the body’s metabolism by aiding in digestion, the functioning of the nervous system and maintaining blood pressure levels. Moreover, vitamins and minerals in the foxtail millet foster stronger bones as well as promote brain and heart health.
Foxtail millet is a great option for individuals looking to lose weight. A healthy portion of the grain ensures you avoid overeating and stay full for longer periods of time. Apart from being gluten-free, foxtail millet also has a low glycemic index, which helps avoid erratic highs and lows of blood sugar in the body. This makes it a suitable option for diabetics and people with gluten and celiac disease.
Therefore, it is often stated that the consumption of millet promotes overall health while boosting your immunity. Being drought-tolerant and a short-term catch crop, the cultivation of millet holds an integral place in the food industry and our diet.
Just like several other foxtail millet recipes, this paniyaram is a treat, just as it is versatile. It can be whipped up in quite a few variations that may leave you satisfied and with a full stomach.
Once you have given this recipe a try, to keep up the nutritional content, you can substitute foxtail millet with finger millet. The unique flavour of the finger millet will ensure your paniyarams are gobbled up in seconds.
If you are craving something sweet, jaggery paniyarams are the way to go. To make this, simply add jaggery paste to the recipe and take away the vegetables. You will need to ensure that the thick consistency of the batter is maintained to get crispy and sweet paniyarams.
When in need of a protein boost in the mornings, egg paniyarams are your answer. Often called muttai paniyarams, there are several different ways you can assemble this dish. If you want to keep all the goodness of the vegetables from the original recipe, just add in an egg or two based on your batter. You can chop up a boiled egg and add it to the mixture as well.
Parents can even add beetroot paste to the paniyaram to make it more visually appetising for their children. This makes it a fun and wholesome snack for the whole family.
