Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai (Millet and Lentil Crepes with Spinach)
A Nutritious and Flavorful South Indian Breakfast Delight
Foxtail Millet is an incredibly versatile grain that can replace rice in many traditional dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal plan. However, many people find it challenging to incorporate millets into their diets. Here’s a clever way to sneak the goodness of Foxtail Millet into your meals: Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai. This South Indian breakfast recipe combines the earthy flavors of millet and lentils with the freshness of spinach, resulting in a wholesome, delicious, and filling dish. The savory millet crepes, known as “adai,” are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
This recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Packed with protein from lentils and fiber from millet and spinach, it provides the perfect fuel for your day. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a nutritious snack, Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai is a great choice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet | 1 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Spinach (roughly chopped) | 1 cup |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | As needed (for cooking adai) |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- 4 hours (soaking time for foxtail millet and dals)
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes (for making the adai)
Serves:
- 4 servings
Instructions:
-
Soak the Ingredients:
- Start by washing and soaking the foxtail millet in water for 4 hours.
- Similarly, wash and soak the Arhar dal, Yellow Moong dal, Chana dal, and dry red chillies in separate bowls for 4 hours.
-
Grind the Ingredients:
- Once the millet and dals are well-soaked, drain the water. Begin by grinding the foxtail millet in a mixer grinder. Grind it into a slightly coarse paste, adding small amounts of water as needed. Transfer the ground millet into a bowl.
- In the same mixer jar, grind the soaked dals, red chillies, and fennel seeds to a smooth paste, again adding little water at a time. Add this mixture to the bowl with the millet.
-
Prepare the Adai Batter:
- Mix the ground millet and dal mixture thoroughly. Season it with salt and whisk it well to ensure an even consistency. Your adai batter is now ready.
-
Incorporate the Spinach and Green Chilies:
- Add the chopped spinach and finely chopped green chillies to the prepared batter. Mix everything together until well combined.
-
Cook the Adai Crepes:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush it with a little oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, pour a ladle full of the batter onto the skillet and spread it out in a circular motion to form a thick crepe. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil around the edges of the adai to make it crispy.
- Let the bottom cook for about a minute or until it turns golden and crispy. Flip the adai gently and cook the other side for another minute or two until it is also golden and crisp.
- Once done, transfer the adai to a plate and continue cooking the remaining batter in the same manner.
-
Serve:
- Serve your Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai hot with traditional accompaniments such as Karuveppilai Chutney Podi (Curry Leaf Powder) and Tomato Onion Chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Consistency: Ensure the batter is of medium consistency—neither too thick nor too runny. It should be thick enough to form a crepe but spread easily on the skillet.
- Oil: Use a little oil while cooking the adai to make the edges crispy. You can adjust the amount of oil based on your preference.
- Variations: You can experiment with other greens like methi (fenugreek leaves) or amaranth to replace spinach for varied flavors.
Health Benefits:
- Foxtail Millet is rich in fiber, iron, and essential minerals, making it great for digestion and overall health.
- The lentils (Arhar dal, Moong dal, and Chana dal) provide a high protein content, making this dish perfect for vegetarians looking for a protein-packed meal.
- Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, which helps boost energy levels and supports overall wellness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai with any South Indian chutney, such as coconut chutney, mint chutney, or a simple sambar (lentil stew) to make it a complete meal.
- Enjoy this dish as a hearty breakfast or as a nutritious snack during the day. It’s a perfect dish for those looking to incorporate more millets into their diet in a fun and delicious way.
Foxtail Millet Paruppu Adai with Keerai brings together the wholesome flavors of South India in a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. With a rich texture, aromatic spices, and a crispy finish, this dish will make for a filling, satisfying meal that you’ll want to make over and over again.
