Saamai / Little Millet Kichadi

 

This is a very easy and simple recipe and healthy as well. Millets are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner. I am big fan of kichadi and pongal dishes and I usually make these kind of one-pot dishes just for me when everybody else in my house are in a "pizza or burger for dinner" kind of mood. This is a complete meal with just some pappads, pickle, and yogurt on side. I was hooked on to this particular kichadi recipe, which was served in a north Indian thali at a nearby restaurant.  It was made with just a few ingredients and loaded with ghee and the best part of the meal. A true comfort food!

Ingredients:
1. Saamai /little millet, 1 cup.
2. Moong dhal, 1/2 cup.
3. Onion, 1, medium-size, diced.
4. Tomatoes, 2, chopped.
5. Green chilies, 2, slit into 2.
6. Ginger, long thin strips, 1 tablespoon.
7. Turmeric powder, a pinch.
8. Hing, a pinch.
9. Curry leaves, a handful.
10. Salt, as per taste.
11. Ghee, 1 tablespoon or more upon preference.

Preparation:
Wash the moong dhal and millet and take them in a pressure pan or pressure cooker. Add the turmeric powder, salt, and 3-1/2 cups of water and cook for 15 minutes for up to 3 whistles. Meanwhile heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and fry for few seconds. Add the diced onions and sauté until tender. Then add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, ginger,hing and curry leaves and sauté for a few minutes until everything is well blended. Add the millet and dhal mixture to this along with the ghee and more water if needed and cook under low flame for 2 more minutes and serve hot with pappads and pickle.