The Indian Barnyard millet, also known as varai, sama, sambo or vrat ke chawal resembles sooji or fine quinoa. It is used in various desserts, snacks and main course dishes around the festival season as it can be consumed when you observe a fast. Here's a Mahashivratri special recipe of the Varai or sama pulao that is easy to make, very filling and nutritious.
Dry roast the varai or millet on a slow flame for 8-10 minutes. Keep it aside.
In a iron skillet, dry roast the dry masala or all the spices till they are aromatic. This should take 3-4 minutes.
Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely ground them.
In a deep and large pan, heat the oil or clarified butter. Add the ginger and chilli and saut .
Add the chopped vegetables and give it a stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Now pour the water and allow it to boil.
Add the coarsely grounded dry masala to the water along with salt.
Add the millets to the boiling water and stir well.
Add the juice of 2 lime to it and mix well. Cover and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes and keep checking in between. If the millets stick to the bottom, add some more water.
Cook till well done and fluffy.
Serve with Amaranth kadhi.
Tips
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You can skip the veggies if you are observing a fast. You can replace these veggies with peanuts and bottle gourd.
Reduce the amount of ghee or oil used if you are trying to follow a fitness regime.
Here is the instructional video for the recipe:
Image Source: Shutterstock (Image for representational purpose only)
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