Beetroot Millet Paniyaram Recipe
A delicious and healthy South Indian dessert, Beetroot Millet Paniyaram brings a unique twist to your traditional sweets. Made from wholesome ingredients like beetroot, foxtail millet, and oats, this vibrant snack not only boasts a beautiful color but is also packed with nutrients. A great option for a healthy snack for kids or as a delightful dessert for parties, this recipe offers a tasty, high-protein alternative to typical sugary treats. Foxtail millet is the primary grain used here, but feel free to experiment with other millets such as little millet, pearl millet, or finger millet, based on availability or personal preference.
This Chettinad-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the earthiness of millet with the natural sweetness of jaggery and the comforting aroma of cardamom. Beetroot Millet Paniyaram is cooked in ghee, ensuring a rich and fragrant finish to each bite. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a nutritious dessert, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Beetroot Millet Paniyaram Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot (peeled and chopped) | 100 grams |
| Foxtail Millet | 1/2 cup |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee (for frying) | As needed |
Preparation Time:
3 hours (for soaking foxtail millet)
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Millet:
Begin by soaking the foxtail millet in warm water for about 2 to 3 hours. This step helps soften the millet, making it easier to blend into a smooth batter. -
Prepare the Batter:
Once the millet is fully soaked, drain the water and transfer the millet to a mixer grinder. Blend it to a smooth batter, ensuring no water is added. After blending the millet, add the chopped beetroot and blend again until everything is well combined. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Transfer the millet-beetroot mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the instant oats, rice flour, baking powder, powdered jaggery, and cardamom powder to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. -
Adjust the Consistency:
To achieve a smooth batter with a thick pouring consistency, gradually add a little water. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned into the Paniyaram pan. -
Cook the Paniyarams:
Heat the Paniyaram pan over low to medium heat. Once heated, add about 1 teaspoon of ghee into each cavity of the pan. Spoon the prepared batter into the cavities, filling each only about 3/4 of the way full. -
Steam and Flip:
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on low to medium heat until the top of the paniyaram looks steamed. Once the tops are cooked, carefully flip each paniyaram to cook the other side until golden brown and crispy. -
Repeat and Serve:
Remove the cooked Paniyarams from the pan and set aside. Refill the pan with more batter and repeat the cooking process until all the batter is used. -
Serve:
Serve the Beetroot Millet Paniyaram as a nutritious snack or as a fun dessert at parties. These make for an excellent high-protein option for kids or adults who are looking for a healthy yet tasty treat.
Allergen Information:
This recipe is generally free from common allergens like gluten and dairy, provided you use gluten-free oats and adjust the ghee to suit dietary needs. Be sure to check the labels on the oats and ghee you are using, especially if you are catering to individuals with specific food sensitivities.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free if using gluten-free oats and rice flour
- Dairy-Free: Can be made dairy-free by substituting ghee with vegetable oil or dairy-free butter
- Nut-Free: Yes
- Vegan Option: Replace ghee with vegetable oil for a fully vegan version of this recipe.
Advice & Tips:
-
Customizing the Sweetness:
If you prefer a sweeter version, you can adjust the amount of jaggery according to your taste. You can even use other sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup if desired. -
Adding Nuts:
For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like cashews or almonds into the batter before cooking. -
Serving Suggestions:
Beetroot Millet Paniyaram pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney or a spicy dipping sauce. You can also serve it as part of a larger South Indian-inspired meal or as an evening snack.
Conclusion:
The Beetroot Millet Paniyaram offers a delightful combination of health and taste. With its nutrient-dense ingredients like millet, oats, beetroot, and jaggery, it’s a great alternative to traditional sweets, packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. This recipe, which hails from the Chettinad cuisine of South India, is easy to prepare and versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for your kids, a party treat, or a nutritious dessert, this vibrant and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit!
