Meena's Taste Mantra

Varagu Upama | Kodo Millet Porridge - A nutritious Breakfast option with Millet

In our experiments with the Mighty Millets, we came across yet another nutritious Millet - Kodo Millet! Known as Varagu Arisi | Koovaragu | Koden | Harka | Kodra | Arikelu, this is a nutritious grain and can be easily substituted for all rice preparation. Kodo Millet is rich in phytochemicals. It has great amount of fiber and is digestion friendly. Due to the nutrition content in it, it is known to help reduce knee and joint pains too. A nourishing diet for diabetic people.

Amma decided to make a mix veg Upama from this healthy grain and it tasted simply delicious. Filling, yet light on the tummy and in the Summers this brings an immediate cooling effect too!

It is really interesting to know that in India so many nutritious varieties of grains are available to choose and pick and so many cuisines to which we can adapt as per our preference. Feeling really thankful and blessed!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups Water

1 Onion, finely chopped

1 Carrot, finely diced

2 tblsp Peas

1 " Adrak | Ginger, finely chopped
3 Green Chillies, finely chopped

To taste Salt

1 tsp Oil

1 tsp Rai | Mustard Seeds

1 tsp Urad Dal

1 tsp Channa Dal
1 sprig Kadhi Patta | Curry Leaves

Varagu Arisi | Koovaragu | Koden | Harka | Kodra | Arikelu | Kodo Millet

METHOD

Wash and drain Kodo Millet and keep aside.
In a non-stick Kadhai, heat oil and add rai, urad dal, chana dal and curry leaves.
When the rai splutters, add onions, green chillies and chopped ginger. Saute till the onions become translucent.
Add carrots and peas. Saute for 2 minutes.
Add water and salt.
When water comes to a boil, add the drained Kodo Millet and mix well.
When this comes to a boil, keep the gas flame on low and cover cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Check to see if Kodo Millet is cooked. It takes approximately 8 minutes to cook.
Once done, transfer to a serving bowl. This quantity serves 4.
Serve hot with any Chutney.

We enjoyed this delicious and nutritious Varugu Upama with Tomato Fried Gram Chutney.

We have used:

1. Naturally Your's Organic Kodo Millet with hull

2. Tata Salt Lite

3. Til Sona Oil

Note:

a. You can also add diced potatoes, beans and sprouts!

b. We get Varagu with hull and without hull. We have used the one with hull. The method to cook both types of Varagu is the same.

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.