Millet Tondli Bhat: A Hearty and Wholesome Delight

 In the world of culinary exploration, there's always something new to discover. Millet Tondli Bhat is a delightful South Indian dish that introduces us to the rich flavors of small millets combined with the earthy goodness of tondli (ivy gourd). This recipe is not just about taste; it's a journey into the heart of traditional Indian cuisine, where spices and ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors. Let's delve into the kitchen and learn how to prepare this wholesome and hearty dish.

Ingredients for Millet Tondli Bhat:

Small Millets (Barnyard millet or foxtail millet) - 1 cup

Tondli (Ivy Gourd) - 1 cup, cut into halves

Onion - 1, finely chopped

Tomato - 2, finely chopped

Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 TBSP

Mustard Seeds - 1 Tsp

Cumin Seeds - 1 Tsp

Hing Powder (Asafoetida) - 1/4 Tsp

Bay Leaf - 2

Black Cardamom - 1

Green Chilies - 2, slit in between

Turmeric Powder - 1 Tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 Tsp

Goda Masala - 2 Tsp

Jaggery - 1 Tsp

Vegetable Oil - 1 TBSP

Water - 2 cups

Salt as needed

Method of Preparing Millet Tondli Bhat:

1. Sizzle the Spices:

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and hing powder. Let the seeds crackle.

Introduce bay leaves, black cardamom, green chilies, and finely chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.

2. Add Tondli and Tomatoes:

Whether you're using fresh or frozen tondli, both will work wonderfully. Add the tondli and sauté them for a minute or two. Follow this by adding the finely chopped tomatoes and dry masalas - turmeric powder, red chili powder, goda masala, and salt to taste. Continue sautéing until the tomatoes turn mushy. If you don't have goda masala, you can use any mixed masala, such as garam masala.

3. Incorporate Millets:

Add the washed and drained millets to the pan. In this recipe, we're using Barnyard millet, but you can choose any small millet like foxtail millet or little millet. Mix well to ensure the millets are coated with the flavorful masala.

4. Cook to Perfection:

Pour in the water and add the jaggery. Mix well, ensuring that the flavors meld together. Cover and cook on medium flame for 5-7 minutes or until all the water is absorbed, and the millets are cooked. Then, cover and simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Finish your Millet Tondli Bhat by adding freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness to the dish. Serve it hot with your choice of koshimbir, raita, or papad.

Conclusion:

Millet Tondli Bhat is a celebration of regional Indian flavors, showcasing the versatility of small millets and the heartiness of tondli. It's a wholesome meal that offers a perfect blend of spices and textures. Try this recipe to discover the comforting embrace of traditional Indian cuisine while indulging in a nourishing and delicious feast.

Watch our step-by-step tutorial and embark on a culinary journey like no other on our youtube video of millet recipes. And, if you're eager to explore more millet-based recipes, don't forget to learn the recipe of Millet Tondli Bhat

by clicking on this link!