Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai Recipe
Recipe Overview:
Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that combines the earthy flavors of foxtail millet and a variety of lentils, enriched with the goodness of spinach and a blend of aromatic spices. This nutritious, vegetarian recipe is both wholesome and satisfying, perfect for a hearty breakfast or light evening meal. The crispy, savory pancakes are easy to prepare and packed with proteins, making them a delicious and healthy alternative to regular dosas or idlis.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet | 1 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Pili Moong Dal (Split Moong Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana Dal | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Spinach (Keerai) | 1 cup, washed and chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Fennel Seeds (Sounf) | 1 tsp |
| Oil | As needed |
| Salt | As per taste |
Preparation Time: 240 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 250 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Soaking the Ingredients:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the foxtail millet under cold water. Soak it in water for 4 hours.
- Similarly, wash the lentils (Arhar Dal, Pili Moong Dal, and Chana Dal) separately and soak each variety of dal in water for 4 hours. Also, soak the dry red chillies during this time.
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Grinding the Mixture:
- After 4 hours, drain the water from the foxtail millet and transfer it into a mixer grinder. Add a little water and grind it into a smooth batter, then transfer the batter to a bowl.
- In the same mixer, drain the soaked lentils (Arhar Dal, Moong Dal, and Chana Dal), along with the soaked dry red chillies and fennel seeds. Add a little water to this and grind everything into a smooth paste.
- Combine the millet batter and lentil mixture in the bowl. Add salt to taste and mix everything well to create the batter for the Adai.
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Adding the Spinach:
- Now, finely chop the spinach (keerai) and green chillies. Add them to the batter and mix well, ensuring that the spinach is evenly distributed throughout.
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Cooking the Adai:
- Heat a tava (griddle) over medium heat. Once the griddle is hot, add a little oil and spread it evenly.
- Take a spoonful of the Adai batter and place it on the griddle. Gently spread it in a circular motion, similar to how you would spread a dosa.
- Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the Adai and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the Adai and cook the other side until it’s equally crispy and golden. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
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Serving:
- Serve the crispy Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with tomato chutney and a cup of filter coffee for a perfect South Indian breakfast experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Protein | 9-12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 g |
| Fat | 8-12 g |
| Fiber | 6-8 g |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Potassium | 400-450 mg |
Tips & Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: You can add other leafy greens like methi (fenugreek leaves) or amaranth leaves along with spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the quantity of green chillies to suit your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a more aromatic flavor.
- Topping Options: For a richer flavor, top the Adai with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) before serving.
- Fermented Version: If you prefer a slightly fermented taste, you can allow the batter to ferment for a few hours before cooking. This will give the Adai a more traditional dosa-like flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai recipe brings together the rustic charm of South Indian breakfasts with a healthy, modern twist. The addition of foxtail millet makes this dish a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the lentils provide a rich protein boost. The spinach adds a refreshing green element, and the blend of spices elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing start to your day or a wholesome meal to serve at any time, this recipe is sure to impress.
Enjoy your Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai with your favorite chutneys or sambar, and embrace the flavors of traditional South Indian cuisine!
