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Showing posts with label COOKING ESSENTIALS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COOKING ESSENTIALS. Show all posts

September 11, 2014

Millet Energy Mix Powder Recipe | Millet Sathu Maavu Recipe –Millet Recipes

millet powder

Last week when I went to Salem my MIL gave me this homemade mixed millet powder /Energy mix powder and told me to prepare Dosa or porridge for our breakfast/dinner. She also told me the quantity & the procedure of making it. I never thought its so easy to make. Sorry, I couldn’t take stepwise pictures. I will try to add it soon. Yesterday I made dosa with this flour and it came out very well. I was very happy & contented to get the benefits of all millet/sirudhaniyam in one recipe. Sendhil told me to blog this recipe as it may be useful to many of you. 

So here you go, my MIL’s mixed millet flour aka millet sathu maavu recipe for you all. But this powder is only for adults and not for kids. U can make any number of variations by adding moong dal, nuts and rice too. U can prepare all our south Indian breakfast recipes like porridge, dosa, kozhukattai, adai & paniyaram using this flour. Next week I will try to share some yummy recipes using this millet powder.

Till then check out my detailed post on millets and its varieties with its health benefits.

Mixed millet laddu recipe

 millet energy mix powder

Millet energy mix powder


Millet energy mix powder Energy mix powder recipe using millets for healthy breakfast and dinner !
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Breakfast
Yields: 1.5 kgs
Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 10 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes


INGREDIENTS

  • Ragi/Finger millet - 1/4 kg
  • Varagu/Kodo millet - 1/4 kg
  • Saamai/Little millet - 1/4 kg
  • Kuthiravali/Barnyard millet - 1/4 kg
  • Kambu/Pearl millet - 1/4 kg
  • Thinai/Foxtail millet - 1/4 kg
METHOD

  • Clean the millets in muram if you suspect for any debris.

  • Heat a wide kadai and dry roast all the millets one by one. Stand nearby & keep mixing without moving around else it may burn as they are very small in size. Keep the flame medium high. Each millet takes maximum 3-4 minutes to get roasted.

  • Roast them one by one till its color changes slightly and you get a nice roasted smell. Collect them in a plate and let it cool.

  • After it cools down, grind them in a flour mill or mixie. Sieve it and spread the flour in a paper to cool down. Store in an air tight box. Stays good for months !


U can make sweet or salt porridge, Dosa by adding buttermilk, adai or even kozhukattai too !

Note
  • Roasting the millets gives a nice flavour to the powder. Don’t skip it but be careful while roasting. Do not burn them.
  • For variations,  you can add roasted green gram dal or yellow moong dal. U can add rice too.



Make this millet powder and enjoy the benefits of all millets in one recipe. 
Millet flour

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September 10, 2014

INDIAN MONTHLY GROCERY LIST FOR 2 PERSONS

Grocery list indian

Few weeks back I got a request from a newly wedded girl to help her by giving Indian monthly grocery items list for a small family of 2 to 4 persons (monthly shopping list for Indian family, maligai saman list in Tamil, Kirana list in Hindi). So I have given basic grocery items list in both PDF and Excel format as free download.

Excel sheet is free to download. You don't have to request permission for downloading. Just make a copy of it and edit as required. You can use this checklist for your monthly shopping and grocery purchase.

When I read that reader's mail, I had a flashback of my life. When I was newly married, I was in a joint family with my in-laws. My lovable MIL used to take care of kitchen works and my ever caring FIL did all the household chores like monthly provision shopping ,vegetables, paying bills etc. Myself and Sendhil just spent most of our time in office and we had no worries about our households. But after 4 years, when I was left alone in the kitchen, I somehow managed to cook but I did not have any idea of how much quantity of rice and other groceries to purchase for one month. I kept forgetting one or the other ingredients. I used to run to a nearby provisional store after keeping the kadai on flame. Sendhil used to scold me a lot.

When I told this to my mom, she helped me by sharing this list & told to follow this list every time I go for monthly purchase. I also referred here for more specifications. I do have a picture of my mom's list in my mobile. It was very helpful for me to decide and buy the correct quantity of monthly groceries in a wholesale shop & then I altered the list based on our usage and availability. Every month you may not need to buy all these items. My mom has been following list this since my childhood. I still remember, she used to give this list to a departmental store nearby my house and they do home delivery.

Nowadays in India most of the apartments are in city outskirts. So we go out once or twice in a month to buy groceries and if we don’t follow a list,we have to buy from the stores available in our apartment premises.No matter how costly it is,we are forced to buy there. To avoid all these ,its better to make a list and follow it. To help newly married girls, bachelors and for the ladies who are in short of memory like me, I have shared a list in excel format which you can download it as a pdf or  xls sheet by clicking the link.

The quantity I have given would come for 1-2 months for a pucca South Indian family. North Indians, please reduce the quantity of rice and increase wheat flour. Bachelors, do reduce the quantity by half.  Do follow this list for the first month and based on your need and usage, you can alter it

I have also shared some images for the  checklist separately. U can save it in your mobile and cross check the ingredients while you purchase. I hope this list would be useful to you all. 

Do leave a message if you feel I had left anything important. I will include it. Also leave your feedback in the comment section if this list helps you. I would be more happy to know it. Thanks. Please click on the image below to view the excel sheet and the text below for downloadable PDF.

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Click this link to make a copy of the grocery list in Excel format

If you are a non-google user, Please click THIS LINK .


Click this link to view my Kitchen Utensils & appliances list 

Click this link for Appliances list with brand recommendations.

Indian grocery list excel

My mom always starts the list with turmeric powder, sugar &  jaggery sentimentally. So I too follow the same .

I have shared the complete grocery list below. You can copy paste them in your PC. I have also given separate images for groceries, Pooja items, Toiletries and miscellaneous items. Right click and save the respective images based on your need. In addition, I have shared the list in Excel sheet as well. You can make a copy of it and edit it using google sheets app. Here I have given the quantity of rice more than wheat as I had focussed South indians. North indians, please exchange the quantities of rice and wheat as per your requirement. I have given the amazon affiliate links for the titles. 

INDIAN GROCERY LIST - MONTHLY SHOPPING CHECKLIST

RICE and FLOURS

  1. Turmeric powder - 100 gms
  2. Sugar - 1 kg
  3. Jaggery - 1/2 kg
  4. Idli rice/Boiled rice/Salem rice - 5-7 kgs
  5. Steamed rice or Raw rice/Sona masoori - 5-7 kgs
  6. High quality raw rice for Pongal - 1 kg
  7. Dosa rice ( optional) - 2 kgs
  8. Basmati rice - 1 to 2 kgs
  9. Brown rice(optional) - 1 kgs
  10. Pressed rice / Poha(thick or thin) -1 kgs
  11. Wheat flour - 2 kgs (North Indians, please increase atta to 5 kgs and reduce rice)
  12. Maida - 1/2 kg (For cakes and snacks)
  13. Ragi flour - 1 kg
  14. Millets varieties & oats - 1/2 kg each
  15. Rice flour - 1/2 kg
  16. Besan flour - 1/2 kg
  17. Bombay Rava/ Semolina or Chiroti rava - 1 kg
  18. Wheat rava / samba rava / bansi rava - 1 kg
  19. Idli rava - 1 kg (optional)
  20. Rice rava - 500 gms
  21. Vermicelli / Semiya - 1 packet big
  22. Instant rice sevai -1 big packet
  23. Sago/Javvarisi - 1/2 kg
  24. Tamarind - 1/2 kg
  25. Red chilli - 1/4 kg

    PULSES/DALS

  1. Toor dal - 1 kg
  2. Round urad dal - 2 kgs
  3. Yellow moong dal - 1 kg
  4. Chana dal - 1/2 kg
  5. Split urad dal - 1/2 kg
  6. Rajma, peas, brown/white chana, green gram dal, Peanuts - 1/4 kg each
  7. Fried gram dal / Pottukadalai - 1/4 kg
  8. Horsegram , flax seeds - If needed

    SPICE POWDERS

  1. Crystal salt - 1 kg
  2. Powder salt - 1 kg
  3. Red chilli powder - 1/4 kg
  4. Dhania powder - 1/4 kg
  5. Garam masala powder - 100 gms
  6. Chat masala powder - 1 packet small
  7. Aamchoor powder - 50 gms
  8. Cumin powder - 50 gms
  9. Pepper powder - 50 gms
  10. Sambar powder, Rasam powder, Vatha kuzhambu powder - If needed
  11. Biryani masala powder or curry masala powder - Small packet
  12. Idli powder / Gun powder - 1 packet ( If needed)
  13. Readymade powders like garlic powder, pav bhaji masala, chana masala etc
  14. Instant coffee powder - 100 gms
  15. Tea powder - 100 gms
  16. ENO fruit salt - 2 packets (For rava idli, dhokla)
  17. Yeast - 1 small box ( For making aapam, bread)
  18. Cooking soda / Baking soda - 1 packet small
  19. Baking powder - 1 packet

    OILS

  1. Cooking oil - 1- 2 lts
  2. Gingely oil/Sesame oil - 1 - 2 lts
  3. Coconut oil - 1/2 lt
  4. Ghee or butter - 1/2 kg
  5. Olive oil - 1/2 liter
  6. Deepam oil - If needed ( For lamp)

    SPICES AND NUTS

  1. Mustard seeds - 150 gms
  2. Pepper - 100 gms
  3. Cumin seeds/jeera - 100 gms
  4. Poppy seeds/Khus khus - 100 gms
  5. Coriander seeds/Dhania - 200 gms
  6. Fennel seeds - 50 gms
  7. Fenugreek seeds / Methi seeds - 100 gms
  8. Dry ginger piece or powder - 50 gms
  9. Black or white sesame seeds - 50 gms
  10. Split urad dal - 100 gms ( For seasoning)
  11. Ajwain / omam - 50 gms
  12. Hing/Asafetida - 1 box (Big)
  13. Cardamom/Elakki - 25 gms
  14. Cashew nuts - 50 gms
  15. Raisins - 50 gms
  16. Badam or other nuts - 50 gms
  17. Peanuts - 100 gms
  18. Dates ( optional) - 100 gms
  19. Cinnamon - 1 packet
  20. Cloves - 1 small packet
  21. Kalpasi/black stone flower & marati moggu - 1 small packet
  22. Biryani spices packet - 1 no
  23. Vanilla essence - 1 small bottle

    OTHER INGREDIENTS 

  1. Papad - 1 big packet
  2. Cocoa powder - 100 gms
  3. Health drinks(horlicks,complan etc) - 1/2 kg each
  4. Noodles -1 packet
  5. Pasta - 200 gms
  6. Macaroni - 200 gms
  7. Sphagetti(optional) - 1 box
  8. Tomato Ketchup / Sauce - 1 bottle
  9. Jam - 1 bottle 
  10. Mayonaisse - 1 bottle
  11. Pizza sauce/ Pasta sauce - 1 bottle
  12. Organic Honey - 1 small bottle
  13. Bread Packet - 1 to 2 nos

    DAIRY PRODUCTS 

  1. Cheese slices - 1 packet
  2. Cheese block - 1 no
  3. Butter - 1/2 kg
  4. Curd / Flavored yogurt - If needed
  5. Fresh cream - 1 packet
  6. Paneer / cottage cheese - 2 packs

    TOILETRIES 

  1. Tooth paste - 200 gms
  2. Tooth brush - 2 nos ( one time purchase)
  3. Bathing soap - 3 nos
  4. Shampoo/Hair conditioner - 1 big bottle
  5. Face powder - 1 box
  6. Hand sanitizer - 1 bottle
  7. Deodarant - 1 or 2 nos
  8. Body lotion - 1 no
  9. Kajal/Kum kum/stickers - 1 no
  10. Shaving lotion - 1 no
  11. Shaving cream - 1 no
  12. Hair gel - 1 no
  13. Razer blades -1 packet big
  14. Baby products - as needed

    CLEANING PRODUCTS 

  1. Dish washing soaps or liquids - 2 nos/1 bottle
  2. Dish washing powder - 1/2 kg
  3. Washing powder - 1 kg
  4. Washing soaps - 5 nos
  5. Toilet cleaner / bleaching powder - 1 bottle
  6. Floor cleaner - 1 bottle
  7. Kitchen cleaner - 1 bottle
  8. Sanitary pads - 1 packet
  9. Toilet paper - 1 bundle
  10. Kitchen tissue - 1 bunch
  11. Garbage bags - 2 rolls
  12. Car cleaner/Car refreshner - 1 no
  13. Dettol - 1 bottle
  14. Mosquito liquid - 2 nos
  15. Odonil - 2 nos
  16. Napthalene balls - 1 packet
  17. Rubber band - 1 packet

    POOJA ITEMS 

  1. Match box - 1 bunch ( 10 nos)
  2. Deepa oil - 1 ltr
  3. Cotton thread - 1 packet
  4. Camphor - 1 small box
  5. Incense sticks - 1 big box
  6. Dhoop - 1 box
  7. Rock candy or dry grapes for neivedyam - 1/4 kg

    MISCELLENEOUS 

  1. Medicines/bandages
  2. Light bulbs
  3. Batteries
  4. Candles
  5. Snacks

    FOR BACHELORS 

  1. Ready made rice mix
  2. Sambar powder
  3. Rasam powder
  4. Garlic powder / poondu podi
  5. Idli podi / Gun powder
  6. Ginger,Garlic paste
  7. Tamarind paste
  8. Ready to eat products
  9. Vathakuzhambu powder
  10. Idli, dosa batter
  11. Bread packet
  12. Cereals

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

Monthly grocery list for 2 persons - Indian


Monthly grocery list for 2 persons - Indian Indian Monthly A-Z grocery list for 2 persons..
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Grocery
Serves: 4 people ( For 2 adults + 2 kids)
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: -
Total time: 15 Minutes


Indian monthly Grocery shopping List


CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF

Please give credit for this blog if you are using these images elsewhere. Thanks for understanding. Click this link to download the grocery list in Excel format. 


IT IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD. You don't have to send any access request / permission to edit via email. This list is open for all. It is not private. Its free to use.  Make a copy of the sheet and follow the instructions to edit if required
 
After opening this excel sheet, click"FILE" and click "Save a copy " OR "Download as PDF" Option and save the sheet in your drive from your desktop. Then you can edit the list as per your needs.  

If you are using mobile, please make a copy of the sheet, edit in Google sheets mobile app. If you are a non-google user, Please click THIS LINK .

Click this link to view my Kitchen Utensils & appliances list 


Please use the above link and download the PDF/ Excel sheet. 



Grocery list 1


Grocery list 2


Grocery list 3



Grocery list 4

©

Grocery list 6

Hope you find this post useful. Please leave a message in the comment box if I have left anything important in the list. Thanks !

A reader's tip for cleaning hacks from comment section:

Instead of buying all the chemicals to clean especially if you have children around, get some white vinegar and sodium bicarbonate and use some lime juice, trust me the whole housing cleaning would be taken care without nastiness of the cleaning products we buy from shops. Eventually you would save money as well.

CLICK THIS LINK TO DOWNLOAD PDF


Click this link to view my
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September 2, 2014

Medhu Vadai Recipe | How to make Urad Dal Vada In Grinder

Medhu vadai
Medu vada aka Urad dal vada / Ulundu vadai is a famous South indian snacks and breakfast recipe especially in Tamil nadu. We generally make medhu vadai for festivals or for guests. Last month I got a request from a reader to post crispy medhu vadai recipe using grinder. As I myself have not tried medu vada using grinder, I was hesitant to make this post. 

Usually I make medu vada only using mixie. But then I took this as an opportunity to try out vada batter using grinder & I did it. But my vada drank so much of oil but still it was light n crispy.Then I found I have added more water which made my vada absorb more oil. So I tried it confidently for the second time and got it perfect. For some recipes, I feel video would give better understanding. So I wanted to capture vada batter making.

Last week my in-laws were with us. I told my MIL to grind vada batter and I captured it. Hope the video looks good & clear. But the vadas in the pictures what you see here are made by me. If I can make a good shaped vadas, then anyone can make it easily. So do follow this recipe carefully. U will get it right. To make a perfect medu vada, there are some points to be noted while grinding the batter. I have shared them below. Do read it before watching the video or trying this recipe. Hope these points would help all the beginners. Lets see how to make crispy medu vada at home with some tips & tricks!


Urad dal vada

TIPS & TRICKS TO MAKE CRISPY VADA
  • Always soak the white, round urad dal for 45 to 60 minutes maximum. If you are grinding in mixie, then you can soak it for 2-3 hours.
  • When you are grinding the batter using grinder, do stand nearby. U have to spend 12-15 minutes near the grinder by sprinkling water and wiping the sides every now and then which is most important.DO NOT ADD SALT WHILE GRINDING. Add salt just before frying the vada.
  • Never pour all the water in one stretch. Just add little water every 2-3 minutes by wiping the sides of grinder with a spatula. Batter should not get stuck in the sides.
  • Vada batter should not be too light & airy. It should be tight to hold. If the batter is too light,vada will absorb more oil.
  • Also the batter should be non-sticky when u touch it by dipping your hands in water.
  • To check the right consistency of vada batter,drop a small ball of batter in a bowl of water. It will float to some extent. Also when you try to drop the batter, it should form a stiff peak ( Refer picture ).
  • Keep the batter covered in refrigerator till use. Add salt & onions only before frying the vada. Beat the batter before frying to provide aeration which is very important to get crispy, light vadas. Then add onions and other spices.
  • Add 1/2 tsp of toor dal for 1/2 cup of urad dal while soaking. It helps the vada to prevent oil absorption.
  • U can also add 1 tsp of rice flour to get super crispy vadas like in restaurants.
  • But if you grind vada batter properly, then no need to add rice flour or toor dal. Vada will come out super crispy by itself.
  • To keep the vada crispy for hours,just pre heat the oven in the least temperature & place your vadas in a tray inside the oven. By this way,vada stays crispy. I got this tip from Vahchef’s site but I have not tried it personally though.
Medu vadai batter tips

Medhu vadai recipe/Urad dal vada


Medhu vadai recipe/Urad dal vada South Indian breakfast special Urad dal vada aka Medhu vadai recipe with stepwise pictures & video !
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Snacks
Serves: 10
Prep time: 60 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 75 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup - 250ml
To soak
  • White round urad dal - 1/2 cup
  • Toor dal - 1/2 tsp (optional )
  • Water - as needed
To mix in the batter
  • Small onion - 10 nos or big onion - 1 
  • Curry leaves - few
  • Green chillies - 1  ( finely chopped)
  • Hing/Asafetida - 1/8 tsp
  • Crushed pepper - 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds/Jeera - 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Salt - as needed
  • Cooking oil - to deep fry
Rice flour – 1 tsp, to add in the batter before making vada ( optional )
METHOD

  • Wash and soak the urad dal & toor dal ( if using ) in enough water for 1 hour minimum and 4 hours maximum. Keep the soaking urad dal inside the refrigerator. Drain all the water completely and use this water for grinding. Add the soaked urad dal to the grinder. Switch on & start running. Do not add water.
How to make medu vada
  • Do not add water in the beginning. Let the grinder run for few seconds without water. When the dal starts to stuck in the sides,add little water ( say 1/8 cup ). Take a spatula and wipe all the sides and center part. Again sprinkle little water and stand nearby wiping the sides. Make sure there are no dals visible or stuck up in the sides. Repeat this by adding water & wiping sides for 12-14 minutes. Batter will become fluffy and the quantity would be more.
How to make medu vada recipe
  • Now remove a small portion of batter in the spatula, when you drop the batter, it should form a pointed tip. Also check the batter by dropping a small ball in a bowl of water. It should not settle down or dissolve instead it should float.
How to make medu vada crispy
  • Remove the batter from the grinder completely and keep in a vessel. If you are making vada immediately proceed OR store the batter in the refrigerator till use. Do not keep it outside.
  • Before deep frying the vada,remove the batter from the refrigerator. Beat the batter well with your hands. It provides aeration and helps to give you crispy & light vada.
  • Now add salt , finely chopped onion, hing, chillies, curry leaves, pepper corns & cumin seeds. Mix well.
How to make medu vada 1
  • Heat oil in a kadai , check the temperature of oil by dropping a pinch of batter. If it rises immediately, oil is just right. Shape the vada using your palm. Make a hole in the center using the thumb finger. Drop the vada into the oil by slightly tilting your fingers. Flip both the sides and cook the vada till the bubbles ceases. Remove & drain in a tissue paper.
How to make medu vada 2
Serve hot & Enjoy !


Medhu vadai recipe

Enjoy this hot & crispy medu vada as breakfast or as an evening snack with coconut chutney !

Medu vada recipe

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July 28, 2014

HOMEMADE PANEER RECIPE–INDIAN COOKING BASICS

 

homemade paneer recipe

I would like to share some yummy paneer recipes in the upcoming weeks.Before that,i wanted to post this basic homemade paneer recipe.As u all know,making homemade paneer is very easy,healthy,hygenic,nutritious as well as low in cost when compared to store bought paneer.All u need is just a litre of milk,two lemons and a cheese cloth.Generally i use low fat milk to make paneer.It comes out super soft and stays good for a week when refrigerated in an air tight box.I have been following this method from Mrs.Mallika badrinath’s cook book for long time.I have tried with curd,vinegar and lemon juice too.Every time it comes out perfect.I am yet to try with citric acid.I have shared all the tips & tricks i learnt from my experience and observation. I hope it would be useful for beginners in cooking.I will try to upload a full video recipe soon.Lets see how to make paneer at home easilySmile.

Homemade-paneer

 

Homemade paneer recipe


Homemade paneer recipe Homemade paneer recipe using lemon juice
 
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Cooking basics
Serves: 15 cubes
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 2Hours
Total time: 2H15Mins
 


INGREDIENTS

  • Low fat milk - 4 cups
  • Lemon juice - 2 to 3 tbsp + equal quantity of water
  • Salt - a pinch
  • Cheese cloth or muslin cloth or any cotton cloth - 1 no
  • Water - 1 cup or ice cubes – few
  • Maida – 1/2 tbsp (optional)
METHOD

  • Squeeze lemon juice from 2 lemons and add equal quantity of water & set aside.
  • Boil milk till it froths & rises to the top.As soon as it starts to boil,switch off the flame and leave it untouched for 30 seconds.

homemade paneer step1

  • Now add 1 tbsp of lemon juice and stir the milk.Milk will start to curdle.Again add another 1 tbsp of lemon juice and keep stirring the milk.Milk will completely curdle and u could see the greenish whey separating from the milk.
  • To this,add 1 cup of plain water or few ice cubes and let it sit for few minutes.Whey will float on top and the chenna settles down.

homemade paneer step2

  • Take a colander and cover it with the cheese cloth or cotton cloth.I used my cotton dupatta.Pour the curdled mixture & strain it by keeping a bowl underneath the colander.Collect the whey water & set aside.U can use this whey for curdling the milk,making rotis etc.

homemade paneer step3

  • Now tie the cloth & squeeze it lightly.Be careful,it would be hot.Hang the cloth under the cupboard or in a closed tap for about 30 minutes.Now all the excess water would be removed.
  • Remove the chenna & add 1/2 tbsp of maida.Knead it well for 2-3 minutes.Paneer will become very soft.Make a square share or round shape as u desire.

homemade paneer step4homemade paneer step5

  • Keep it in the cloth again & close it.Place the cloth on a plate and keep some weight( a bowl of water) over the cloth and set aside for one hour.When u remove after one hour,paneer would be well set.Remove the extras,cut into cubes and store in a box.Stays good for a week when refrigerated !

homemade paneer step6

  


Note

  • U can use curd in place of lemon juice.In that case,use 1/4 cup of slightly diluted curd.Remaining procedure is the same.
  • We should add equal quantity or even little more water to the lemon juice.By doing this way,the sourness of lemon would be reduced and the paneer wont taste sour.U don’t have to wash the paneer after straining.Its optional.
  • U can follow the same procedure for vinegar too.But i guess u may have to wash the paneer after straining as the vinger smell is powerful than lemon.
  • Do not boil the milk after u add lemon juice because paneer may become hard when u over boil the milk.
  • And u must add some plain water at room temp or ice cubes after the milk is curdled completely.This will help the whey and chenna to separate.This is optional though.
  • Do not use polyester cloth for straining paneer.Its better to use thin cotton cloth.
  • Adding maida is optional while kneading.U can skip it if u don’t like.
  • I usually make paneer using 2-3 days old boiled milk by refrigerating it.

 

homemade paneer

 

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July 15, 2014

Millet - Types Of Millets, Health Benefits, Glossary(Kambu, Thinai, Saamai, Varagu, Kuthiraivali, Ragi)

Different types of millets
Different types of millets in India

Today's post is about different types of millets (Siruthaniyam vagaigal in Tamil) varieties, its health benefits, nutritional information/calories for millets and its names in different languages like English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada that are available in India. I must thank my in-laws for giving me knowledge about these millets (Siruthaniyam in Tamil). Nowadays people are becoming more and more health conscious. We all started looking for some better alternatives for rice and wheat to reduce its daily consumption. For those people, millets are really wonder grains or miracle grains I should say.

Millets are the power house of fiber, calcium, minerals & Iron. When my in-laws told me about these millets I had no idea of how it looks, where to buy & how to cook them too. So my FIL bought me 1/2 kg in each variety from Lee bazaar, Salem – Tamil nadu. I tried some recipes with it and everything came out very well. Then I started buying some varieties like kambu, thinai & varagu from a shop nearby my house in Bangalore.

Before sharing all those recipes, I wanted to make a post mentioning about the different types of millets, How to identify them, How to name it in different languages, where to buy & its health benefits . I have made a separate post on “How to cook Millets”. This post would be more of essays/stories with pictures. This is just an introductory post for millets. I will share some interesting recipes from next week. Thanks for visiting this page. Hope it would be useful for beginners. Start including millets in your daily cooking. Have a happy and healthy life !

U can find these topics below

What is millet

Names of millets in different languages

Where to buy millets in Bangalore

Health benefits of millets

Foxtail millet

Pearl millet

Barnyard millet

Little millet

Finger millet

Kodo millet


Disclaimer : All the nutritional information given here is from a millet book and www.milletindia.org

Check out my "HOW TO COOK MILLETS" in 3 different ways if interested !


Also see my varieties of  MILLET RECIPES to include in your regular cooking. 

Check out my MILLET POWDER / SATHUMAAVU  and MILLET LADOO RECIPE

Millets in India
Millet varieties in India

WHAT ARE MILLETS

Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for both human food and fodder. Its not just a type of bird seed. It can be consumed by humans in the form of pilafs, snacks and cookies too. It has a sweet nutty flavor. Millets are widely grown in Africa and Northen China. It is gluten free & rich in calcium, fiber, protein and minerals. It has high nutritional values when compared with rice and wheat. Millets are called as miracle grains or wonder grains. It is a great food for people looking for weight loss, diabetic and cardiac patients.


Should anyone avoid eating it?

People with thyroid problems should avoid eating millet on a daily basis as it is believed to contain some goitrogen properties. Some people may also experience indigestion. So consume in moderation. Its better to pre soak millets for 6 hours, drain the soaked water and then use it. It helps to avoid indigestion and stomach problems. 

Source : Wikipedia



GLOSSARY- NAMES OF MILLETS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Source: Google and Wikipedia

MILLETS NAME IN TAMIL

English Tamil
Finger Millet Kezhvaragu
Kodo Millet Varagu
Foxtail Millet Thinai
Little Millet Samai
Barnyard Millet Kuthiravali
Pearl Millet Kambu
Sorghum Cholam

MILLETS NAME IN HINDI

English Hindi
Finger Millet Nachani /mundua
Kodo Millet Koden/Kodra
Foxtail Millet Kangni/Rala
Little Millet Kutki
Barnyard Millet Jhangora
Pearl Millet Bajra
Sorghum Jowar

MILLETS NAME IN TELUGU

English Telugu
Finger Millet Ragula
Kodo Millet Arikelu
Foxtail Millet Korra
Little Millet Sama
Barnyard Millet Odalu
Pearl Millet Sajjalu
Sorghum Jonna

MILLETS NAMES IN KANNADA

English Kannada
Finger Millet Ragi
Kodo Millet Harka
Foxtail Millet Navane
Little Millet Saame
Barnyard Millet Oodalu
Pearl Millet Sajje
Sorghum Jola

MILLETS NAMES IN MALYALAM

English Malayalam
Finger Millet Panji pullu
Kodo Millet Koovaragu
Foxtail Millet Thina
Little Millet Chama
Barnyard Millet Kavadapullu
Pearl Millet Kambam
Sorghum Cholam



WHERE TO BUY MILLETS IN BANGALORE

You can find millets in most of the organic stores, online organic shops and departmental stores like Big bazaar, Metro cash and carry, Nilgiris, Dmart in metro cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

There are some other shops who supply millets from farmers to the end users. Here is the list.

For more details on organic stores in Bangalore, You can try Organic mandya in HSR layout. Dmart Healthy choice brand is good. Manna Millet is really bad. Most of the time it has dust and sand in it.  
 
Earth360www.earth360.in, [email protected] +919440870875

Sahaja OrganicsNew No. 19, Old No. 665, 1st floor, Opp: Times of India, Sajjanrao road, VV Puram 080 26612315/ 26661420

Timbuktu OrganicsYou can buy their products across outlets in Bangalore.

Era Organics – No. 348, Dollars Colony, RMV Club Double Road, RMV Second Stage Ph: 80- 41606003/41606004

Navadarshanam, stocked in Mother Earth, Namdhari and other retail stores across the city.

Nativefoodstore for Chennai people and online purchase. 

Nowadays Millets are widely available in all over India. You can find in big departmental stores like Dmart, Metro cash n carry, Big bazaar, Nilgiris etc or in online like big basket, Amazon.in etc.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MILLETS

These are some of the general health benefits of millets when consumed everyday!

Source: Whfoods.com
  • Millets are generally rich in Protein, Fibre, Calcium, Iron & Minerals especially Magnesium, copper & phosphorous.
  • It helps to reduce cholesterol, lowers blood pressure. It helps in the development, repair of body cells and tissues.
  • It helps to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes especially for women.
  • Its high insoluble fibre helps to prevent Gallstones formation.
  • Pre-menopausal women eating millets have a reduced breast cancer risk.
How to select and buy

Millet is generally available in its hulled and whole-grain form. It is available in pre-packaged as well as in bulk containers. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the millet are covered to ensure its maximal freshness. Whether purchasing millet in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture.
Store millet in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place, where it will keep for several months.
Millet is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.

Check out my "HOW TO COOK MILLETS" in 3 different ways if interested !

Check out my Millet Energy mix powder / Millet sathumaavu too. 

KAMBU/PEARL MILLET


Pearl millet /kambu
Kambu/Pearl millet

Pearl millet known as Kambu in Tamil, Bajra in Hindi, Sajje in Kannada, Sajjalu in Telugu and Kambam in Malayalam is a miracle millet which has iron that is 8 times of rice. It is very rich in Calcium, Protein, Iron and Magnesium. It helps to reduce the bad cholestral level in our body. Its a great body coolant. Its consumed as porridge during summer. It helps to improve the digestion power & heals stomach ulcers too. It helps to improve bowel movements and prevents constipation. It makes our body strong. It helps to increase the secretion of milk for lactating mothers !


Nutrition Information Per 100gm

Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass
Calories 378kcal for 100gm


Minerals (grams) 2.3
Iron(mg) 16.9
Calcium (mg) 38
Protein (grams) 10.6
Fiber (grams)

1.3

Check out my Kambu recipes to make kids eat them.




FINGER MILLET/RAGI

Finger millet popularly known as Ragi in Kannada, Keppai in tamil, Ragula in Telugu & panji pullu in Malayalam, Nachani/mandua in Hindi is a well known millet & consumed widely by the people all over the world.Ragi has the highest mineral & calcium content when compared to all whole grains & minerals. It is called as wonder grain. It is a powerhouse of protein & amino acids. It helps to reduce the heat of the body. It also helps to heal ulcers & anemia. Its a great replacement for rice & wheat especially for diabetic patients.

Nutrition Information for 100gm



Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass


Iron (mg) 3.9
Calcium(mg) 344
Fat (grams) 8.4
Protein (grams) 7.3
Fiber (grams) 3.6
Minerals (grams) 2.7

Check out my various RAGI RECIPES too !

FOXTAIL MILLET/THINAI

foxtail millet- thinai
Foxtail millet/ thinai

Foxtail millet known as thinai in Tamil, Kangni/Rala in Hindi, Navane in Kannada, Korra in telugu and thina in Malayalam is first of millet varities that was used in ancient days. Foxtail millet is high in carbohydrates. It is rich in dietry fiber and minerals such as Copper and Iron. It helps us to keep our body strong and immune. It helps to control blood sugar and cholesteral levels.

Nutrition Information for 100gm




Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass
Calories 364
Minerals(grams) 3.3
Iron(g) 2.8
Calcium (Milli grams) 31
Fat (grams)4.3
Protein (grams) 12.3
Fiber (grams) 8


Check out my 

THINAI IDLI RECIPE



KODO MILLET/VARAGU


KODO MILLET
Kodo millet/ Varagu

Kodo millet known as varagu in Tamil, Harka in Kannada, Koovaragu in Malayalam, Kodra in Hindi and Arikelu in Telugu. Its basically a digestion friendly millet. It is rich in phytochemicals, Phytate that helps in reduction of cancer risks. It helps to reduce the body weight which is most needed for obese people. It helps to overcome irregular period problems in women. It helps to reduce knee & joint pains. Also it is good for diabetic people. It reduces nervous disorders especially in eyes.

Nutrition Information Per 100gms




Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass
Calories 309
Fat (grams) 2.2
Iron (mg) 0.8
Calcium (milligrams) 14
Minerals(grams) 1.9
Protein (grams) 12.5
Fiber (grams) 2.2

Check out my


BARNYARD MILLET/KUTHIRAIVALI


BARNYARD MILLET
Barnyard millet - Kuthiravali

Barnyard millet known as kuthiraivali in Tamil, Oodalu in Kannada, odalu in Telugu, Jhangora in Hindi and Kavadapullu in Malayalam which has 6 times high fiber content when compared with wheat. Its a gluten free millet with high calcium, phosporous & fiber. It is high in carbohydates & fat too. It helps to maintain the body temperature. It acts as a good anti oxidant too.

Nutrition Information Per 100gms




Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass
Calories 342
Iron(mg) 15.2
Fat (grams) 4
Calcium(Milli grams) 11
Protein (grams) 11.2
Fiber (grams) 10.1
Minerals(grams) 4.4

Check out my 


LITTLE MILLET/SAMAI


Little millet - Saamai
Little millet - Saamai

Little millet known as saamai in Tamil, Kutki in Hindi, Saame in Kannada,Sama in Telugu & chama in Malayalam is a wonderful millet which is suitable for people of all age groups. It helps to prevent constipation & heals all the problems related to stomach. It improves the semen counts of men. It also helps for women with irregular periods problems. Its high fiber helps to reduce the fat depositions in the body.

Nutrition Information Per 100gms




Serving Size The serving size, in terms of the number of volume or mass
Calories 207
Minerals(grams) 1.5
Protein (grams) 7.7
Fiber (grams) 7.6
Iron(mg)
Calcium(mg)
9.3
17

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 SAMAI BIRYANI

SAMAI SWEET PONGAL

Check out my "HOW TO COOK MILLETS" in 3 different ways if interested !

Also see my varieties of MILLET RECIPES to include in your regular cooking.

Check out my Millet Energy mix powder / Millet sathumaavu  and a sweet ladoo recipe with millet powder. 





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