Fried Barnyard Millet (Samvat Rice) Recipe
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Fried Barnyard Millet, also known as Samvat Rice, is a popular dish especially enjoyed during fasting days in India, commonly known as vrat ke chawal. This recipe is light, wholesome, and full of flavors from aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and homemade paneer. It’s the perfect dish for a nutritious, hearty meal while adhering to dietary restrictions, making it ideal for a vegetarian dinner or fasting meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Samvat Rice (Barnyard Millet) | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 3 whole |
| Green Chilies (chopped) | 2 |
| Potato (Aloo) – peeled & cubed | 1 |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 150 grams |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Cashew Nuts | 8 |
| Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) | As required |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Wash and soak the Samvat Rice in water for 20 minutes to ensure it softens.
- Heat 2-1/2 cups of water in a saucepan and add the soaked rice, cubed potato, and a pinch of rock salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the rice and potatoes are fully cooked, absorbing all the water and becoming tender (approximately 10-12 minutes). Set it aside once cooked.
Step 2: Flavoring the Rice
3. In a wok or kadhai, heat ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee melts, add the cumin seeds and black peppercorns. Sauté them until the cumin seeds begin to splutter and release their aroma.
4. Add the cashew nuts to the wok and sauté them for a few minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Now, add the chopped green chilies and tomato. Sauté this mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the tomato softens and blends well with the spices.
6. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture, cooking it for a few more minutes on low heat. This will bring out the full flavor of the tomatoes and spices.
Step 3: Combine and Rest
7. Once the rice is cooked and ready, gently add it to the wok with the sautéed mixture. Stir everything together carefully, ensuring that the rice is well-coated with the spices and vegetables.
8. Switch off the flame and add lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves. Mix everything well and cover the pan. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Prepare Paneer and Garnish
9. In a separate small pan, heat a bit of ghee and pan-fry the paneer cubes until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
10. Similarly, fry the cashew nuts in the ghee until they are golden brown.
11. Once done, add both the fried paneer cubes and cashew nuts to the fried Samvat rice. Give it one last gentle toss to combine everything.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
12. Serve the Fried Barnyard Millet (Samvat Rice) hot, garnished with extra coriander leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a cooling Tadka Raita and the deliciously crunchy Palak Makhana for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | ~14g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
| Calcium | ~150mg |
Tips for Perfecting the Fried Barnyard Millet Recipe:
- Soaking the rice: It’s important to soak the rice before cooking as it helps to soften the grains, making the dish fluffier and more tender.
- Adjust the spices: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.
- Use homemade paneer: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh homemade paneer rather than store-bought options. The freshness enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Cashews: Frying the cashew nuts until golden adds a delicious crunch to the dish, so don’t skip this step! You can also substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds or walnuts if preferred.
Serve it with:
- Palak Makhana: A spinach and lotus seed dish, perfect for fasting days.
- Tadka Raita: A cool, yogurt-based accompaniment that balances the spiciness and richness of the fried millet.
This Fried Barnyard Millet is a healthy, nutritious, and satisfying meal that brings together the rich flavors of North India, making it perfect for fasting days or a light, hearty dinner.
