Barnyard Millet Kheer Veg Recipes of India Made Easy

Barnyard millet kheer is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic Indian dessert, traditionally made with rice or vermicelli. Millet, often called “sanwa” in India, is a highly nutritious grain known for its rich fiber content, low glycemic index, and gluten-free properties.

This makes barnyard millet kheer an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a healthy dessert without compromising on taste or tradition.

This recipe beautifully blends the nutty flavor of millet with creamy milk, fragrant cardamom, and a hint of saffron to create a luscious, comforting treat. Whether you’re celebrating a festival, hosting guests, or simply craving something sweet yet wholesome, barnyard millet kheer offers the perfect balance of indulgence and health benefits.

Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with various nuts, dried fruits, and even vegan milk alternatives.

Join me as we explore this classic Indian veg recipe that’s both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorites like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe and Half Runner Beans Recipe for more wholesome delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Barnyard millet kheer is a fantastic alternative to traditional rice kheer, especially for health-conscious individuals or those with gluten sensitivities. Millet cooks quickly and offers a unique, slightly nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the milk and cardamom.

This recipe is:

• Healthy: Packed with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Easy to make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even vegan milk.
• Comforting: Perfect for any season, especially as a warm dessert in winter or chilled during summer.

It’s an ideal recipe for those wanting to enjoy traditional Indian sweets without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup barnyard millet (sanwa) – rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 4 cups full-fat milk (or any plant-based milk for vegan option)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4-5 green cardamom pods – crushed
• 10-12 saffron strands (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds
• 2 tbsp chopped cashews
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp ghee (use coconut oil for vegan version)
• 1 tsp rose water (optional, for aroma)
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for soaking millet
• Knife and chopping board
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the millet: Rinse the barnyard millet thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes to soften.
2. Roast the nuts and raisins: In your saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins. Sauté until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the millet: Drain the soaked millet. Add it to the same saucepan and dry roast for 2-3 minutes until it emits a nutty aroma.
4. Add milk and simmer: Pour in the milk carefully. Add the crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the kheer: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the millet from sticking to the bottom. Continue simmering until the millet is soft and the milk thickens to your preferred consistency (about 30-40 minutes).
6. Add sugar and saffron: Stir in the sugar and saffron strands. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
7. Finish with nuts and flavor: Add the roasted nuts and raisins back into the kheer. Stir in rose water if using. Cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
8. Serve: You can serve the barnyard millet kheer warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts or a sprinkle of saffron.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To save time, you can pressure cook the millet with milk for 2-3 whistles instead of simmering. Just ensure you stir well afterward to avoid burning.

Variation: Swap sugar with jaggery or honey for a healthier sweetness. You can also add chopped fresh fruits like mango or pomegranate for a fruity twist.

Vegan version: Use almond, coconut, or oat milk and replace ghee with coconut oil.

For richer kheer: Add a tablespoon of khoya (reduced milk solids) or coconut cream during the final cooking stage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Barnyard millet kheer is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Warm: Serve straight from the stove as a comforting dessert after meals.
• Chilled: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours on a hot day for a refreshing treat.
• Festive occasions: Garnish with edible silver foil (varak) and serve during Indian festivals like Diwali or Navratri.
• Pairings: Complement your kheer with light snacks like Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or enjoy after a spicy meal to soothe the palate.

Other Popular Barnyard Millet Veg Recipes of India

Barnyard millet’s versatility extends beyond kheer. Here are some popular Indian vegetarian recipes that utilize this nutritious grain:

Barnyard Millet Upma

A savory breakfast dish where millet is cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and fresh vegetables. It’s a wholesome alternative to traditional semolina upma.

Barnyard Millet Pongal

This comforting dish combines millet with moong dal, black pepper, and cumin, flavored with ginger and ghee. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Barnyard Millet Khichdi

A one-pot meal mixing millet with lentils and assorted vegetables, seasoned with Indian spices. It’s nutritious, easy to digest, and ideal for detox days.

Barnyard Millet Idli

Steamed savory cakes made by fermenting millet batter with urad dal. These soft idlis are a great gluten-free alternative to the classic rice version.

Explore more wholesome recipes and get inspired by the goodness of millet in your daily meals!

Conclusion

Barnyard millet kheer is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Indian dessert without relying on the usual rice or vermicelli. Its nutty flavor, combined with the creamy richness of milk and the delicate aroma of cardamom and saffron, makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also provides excellent nutritional benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you are looking to incorporate healthier grains into your diet or just want to try something new, this barnyard millet kheer recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or vegan alternatives to personalize your kheer.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes, check out my Goats Milk Yogurt Recipe or the creamy Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs. Happy cooking and stay healthy!

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