Foxtail Millets - Benefits, Nutrition and 2 Delicious Recipes

What Is Foxtail Millet?
Foxtail millet, also known as Setaria italica, is a type of grass that has been a key part of Asian cuisine for centuries. This highly nutritious grain is often used as a food source for both humans and animals, and is similar to other millets such as pearl millet and proso millet. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it has a unique, nutty flavor that makes it a tasty addition to many dishes.

Where Are FoxtailWhat Is Foxtail Millet Called In Other Languages?
In Hindi, it is known as "kangni," while in Tamil it is called "thinai." In Telugu, it is known as "korra," and in Kannada, it is known as "navane." In Marathi and Gujarati, it is known as "kang," and in Bengali, it is called "kaung." In Japanese, is it called “awa,” in Mandarin Chinese it is called “su,” while in Korean it is called “jo.”

Are Foxtail Millets Good for Diabetes?
Foxtail Millet Rice

Foxtail millets have a low glycemic index, which means that they are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes them a good option for people with diabetes, as well as those who are trying to lose weight.

Are Foxtail Millets Good for Weight-loss?
Besides its low glycemic index, foxtail millet can also be a helpful part of a weight loss diet because it is high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. Additionally, because it is a whole grain, it provides a range of essential nutrients without being high in calories. While it can be a helpful part of a weight loss regimen, it is important to remember that a balanced diet and regular physical activity are key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Are Foxtail Millets Good for Pregnant Women?
Foxtail millet is said to be the ultimate superfood for pregnant women. It is high in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and may also help prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy. Foxtail millet is also a good source of magnesium (81mg per 100gm serving), which is important for maintaining healthy bones and supporting cardiovascular health.

How to Cook Foxtail Millets?
They can be cooked and eaten like rice, or ground into flour and used in baking. They can also be boiled in a pressure cooker, and soaked in water before cooking to help soften them. This versatility has made them a popular food in many different cuisines, and there are countless recipes that incorporate foxtail millets in delicious and creative ways.

1. Foxtail Millet Biryani
foxtail millets biryani

If you are looking for a tasty and satisfying biryani alternative, look no further than Foxtail millet biryani! According to research, this dish is more acceptable and received higher ratings for color, appearance, texture, taste, and overall acceptability compared to traditional rice biryani. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Ingredients
1.5 cup of foxtail millet
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers), chopped
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
Salt to taste
1/2 cup of yogurt
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1/4 cup of chopped mint
1/4 cup of sliced almonds
1/4 cup of raisins
2 tablespoons of ghee
1/4 cup of water

To make the biryani, follow these steps:
Wash the foxtail millet thoroughly at least twice and soak it for a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, chopped tomatoes, salt, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cover and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the ginger and sauté for a few more minutes.
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until they are softened.
Drain the foxtail millet and add it to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Add the yogurt and stir to combine.
Add the cilantro, mint, almonds, and raisins and stir to combine.
Add the ghee and water and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the foxtail millet is cooked and the biryani is fragrant.
Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Serve the biryani hot, garnished with more cilantro, mint, almonds, and raisins, if desired. Enjoy!

2. Foxtail Millet Idli
foxtail millet idli

Ingredients:
1 cup foxtail millet
1/2 cup urad dal
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
Instructions:
Wash the foxtail millet and urad dal in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Soak the millet and dal separately in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Drain the millet and dal and grind them separately into a fine paste. Transfer the millet paste to a large bowl and the dal paste to a smaller bowl.
Mix the dal paste into the millet paste and add salt to taste. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place to ferment for 8-12 hours.
After the batter has fermented, mix in the fenugreek seeds.
Grease the idli molds with oil or ghee and fill them with the batter. Place the molds in a steamer and steam the idlis for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Serve the idlis hot with chutney or sambar. Enjoy!

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