Samo/ Varai / Barnyard Millet Idli

Samo/ varai  is a kind of millet. There are varieties of dishes prepared with samo and its highly nutritious. idlis, dosas and upma are the most popular samo dishes. Samo idlis are normally made during fasting/vrat days. But I try and include them in our regular diet too. There are different versions of samo idli, fermented version and instant version. The one below is an instant version. I have surfed through many recipes on the net, combined them and made this version of mine. Hope you will all try and like it.

Millets are easy to digest. Prevents constipation. Helps reduce migraines. It has a relatively low glycaemic index and hence helps in keeping lower blood sugar.

Ingredients:

Servings : 12  idlis

Samo/Varai - 1 cup

Yogurt - 1/2 cup

Lemon juice - 1/2 tsp

Carrot - 1 grated or chopped

Ginger - 1 tsp chopped

Eno fruit Salt - 1/2 tsp ( optional)

Seasoning:

 Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp

Channa dal - 1/2 tsp

Broken cashews - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Coriander leaves - 1 tsp chopped

 

Method:

• Soak samo for two hours in water.
• Drain it completely
• Grind along with yogurt to a semi coarse paste.
• Transfer into a large bowl.
• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add the broken cashews and fry till golden brown and add it to the samo mixture.
• In the same pan add the rest of the seasoning one by one.
• Once its done add it to the mixture too.
• Now add the chopped carrots, ginger and coriander leaves and 1/2 cup water.
• Finally add salt, lemon juice and mix well. The batter should be normal idli batter consistency.
• Boil water in idli steamer.
• Add eno fruit salt to the batter, mix well and immediately pour into moulds and steam.
• This should take 8-10 minutes.
• Serve hot with chutney of your choice.

 

Note:

• Do not keep the batter after adding eno for long, this will make the idlis hard.



 

HAPPY COOKING!!