Traditional Recipes with a Twist: Roasted Bajra and Jowar Flake Delicacies

We are in the midst of a reverse knowledge flow currently. Both the East and the West are adopting traditional wisdom around health and wellness. Be it yoga, satvik food, sustainable lifestyle, or swapping calorie high food for gluten-free, digestible and nutrient-dense options like millets. After 2023 was declared the international year of millet, there has been a growing awareness and interest in incorporating millets into the daily diet.

Millets, an ancient grain, is back in the limelight, especially as health-conscious eaters turn to bajra and jowar for their impressive nutritional value. These foods, while good for health, were always in the background as the traditional recipes did not appeal to many.

In this blog, we will introduce you to roasted bajra flakes and  jowar flake recipes that combine the best of both worlds: the comfort of familiar flavors with a modern, creative spin. Get ready to enjoy these hearty grains in a whole new way!

Bajra and Jowar Flake Tikki Chaat

These delicious patties are a creative and healthy option for lunch or dinner, combining both bajra and jowar flakes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup roasted bajra flakes
• 1/2 cup roasted jowar flakes
• 1 boiled potato, mashed
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• ¼ cup onion
• 1 cup crumbled paneer
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

Instructions:

1. Soak bajra and jowar flakes in water for 5 minutes and then drain well.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine soaked flakes, mashed potato, grated carrot, onion, paneer, chopped spinach, green chili, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.
3. Mix well and shape like flat tikki and then shallow fry until they are golden brown on both sides. You can even Air Fry them
4. Have them as it is or make a yummy chat out of it by adding chopped tomatoes and onion, garlic chutney, green chutney, and tamarind chutney. Finish with masala peanuts, sev, dahi (optional).

Spicy Jowar Bajra Flake Stir-Fry with Paneer

This spicy stir-fry combines roasted flakes with paneer for a protein-packed meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted bajra flakes
• 1 cup roasted jowar flakes
• 300g paneer, cubed
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add paneer cubes and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell pepper until they are tender.
3. Add cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, and stir well.
4. Mix in the bajra flakes and cooked paneer, tossing until everything is well-coated.
5. Top it with coriander leaves

Bajra and jowar Flake Khichdi

This wholesome, hearty khichdi is made with roasted bajra flakes instead of rice, offering a gluten-free twist on a comforting classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flakes
• 1/2 cup yellow moong dal
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 1 tbsp ghee

Instructions:

1. Soak moong dal.
2. In a cooker add ghee cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3. Add the onions and ginger-garlic paste, and cook well.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and mixed vegetables
5. Add flakes, soaked moong dal, salt, and 2 cups of water and cook for three whistles
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and ghee and serve hot.

 

Crunchy Pesto Salad

Add a touch of Indian flair to a classic pesto salad by incorporating roasted flakes for added crunch and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup roasted jowar flakes
• ½ cup roasted bajra flakes
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 2 tbsp homemade pesto
• 1 cup steamed moong /sprouts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine roasted flakes, tomatoes, cucumber, sprouts
2. Add the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice, and toss until well-coated.
3. Season with chat masala and feta cheese. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Incorporating Bajra and Jowar Flakes into Your Diet

Adding bajra and jowar flakes to your meals is an easy and effective way to boost your daily nutrient intake. These versatile grains can be adapted into various dishes beyond the ones mentioned here, including salads, soups, and even baked goods. They are an excellent choice for adding more fiber, plant-based protein, and essential minerals to your diet while enjoying the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist.

Skyroots has a range of millet based snack and breakfast products that can be purchased from https://skyroots.in/