Foxtail Millet Tomato Rice (Thinai Thakkali Sadam) – Healthy Tamil Nadu Recipe

Thinai Thakkali Sadam Recipe (Foxtail Millet Tomato Rice)

A Tamil Nadu Specialty: A Healthy and Flavorful Rice Alternative Made with Foxtail Millet and Spicy Tomato Mixture

Ingredients

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

4

Cuisine

Tamil Nadu

Course

Lunch

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions for Thinai Thakkali Sadam (Foxtail Millet Tomato Rice)

To begin the preparation of Thinai Thakkali Sadam, we will first focus on cooking the foxtail millet. Start by thoroughly washing the foxtail millet under cold running water to remove any impurities. After washing, drain the millet and transfer it into a pressure cooker or pressure pan. Add about 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Close the lid and cook for 4 whistles on medium heat. Once done, allow it to cool naturally. Afterward, fluff the cooked millets gently with a fork, ensuring it is separated and light.

Now, let’s prepare the tomato rice. Begin by heating the sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle. As soon as the seeds begin popping, add the curry leaves and let them splutter in the hot oil. This adds a fragrant base to your dish.

Next, take the garlic cloves, ginger, and fennel seeds, and roughly pound them using a pestle and mortar. Once crushed, add this aromatic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until the aroma fills the kitchen.

Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This step is important as it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Then, toss in the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, Kashmiri red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Season with salt and mix everything well. Allow the mixture to cook for around 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and turn into a thick, mushy paste.

Once the tomato mixture has thickened to a paste-like consistency, add the pre-cooked foxtail millet to the pan. Gently mix the millet into the tomato mixture, ensuring that the flavors are well incorporated. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. This will help the foxtail millet absorb all the delicious flavors of the tomato and spices.

Your Thinai Thakkali Sadam (Foxtail Millet Tomato Rice) is now ready! The dish is best served with a side of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita and Elai Vadam for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfecting Thinai Thakkali Sadam

• Foxtail Millet Cooking Tip: If you prefer your millet slightly firmer, reduce the amount of water slightly. Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired texture.
• Vegetable Variations: For a more hearty meal, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to the tomato mixture for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Spice Level Adjustment: The Kashmiri red chili powder adds a mild spice. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the quantity of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper.
• Rice Alternative: Foxtail millet is a great gluten-free and low-glycemic alternative to traditional rice, making this dish not only flavorful but also nutritious.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Why Choose Thinai Thakkali Sadam?

This Thinai Thakkali Sadam is a wonderful, healthy alternative to traditional rice dishes. Foxtail millet, a gluten-free whole grain, provides a great source of complex carbohydrates, making it a filling and nutritious option for lunch. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and the subtle, nutty flavor of foxtail millet creates a comforting and flavorful dish.

Thinai Thakkali Sadam is also an excellent choice for those looking to include more whole grains in their diet while enjoying the rich flavors of Tamil Nadu’s traditional cooking. It pairs wonderfully with raita, adding a refreshing contrast to the mild spiciness of the rice.

Enjoy this satisfying and healthy dish as part of your regular meals or at festive occasions for a truly delightful experience!