Foxtail Millet Chicken Kanji

Foxtail millet is an annual grass grown for human food. It is the second-most widely planted species of millet, and the most grown millet species in Asia. The oldest evidence of foxtail millet cultivation was found along the ancient course of the Yellow River in Cishan, China, carbon dated to be from around 8,000 years before present. Foxtail millet has also been grown in India since antiquity.

In India, foxtail millet is still an important crop in its arid and semi-arid regions. In South India, it has been a staple diet among people for a long time from the Sangam period. It is referred to often in old Tamil texts and is commonly associated with Lord Muruga and his consort Valli.

Foxtail millet (English), Kangni (Hindi), Navane (Kannada), Thinai (Tamil), Kang (Gujarati) and Rala (Marathi). Fox tail is also known as Italian millet, and German millet.

Is foxtail millet better than rice?

Though rice continued to be the staple food, consumers are now looking for healthy and better food alternatives. This is the reason why millets have now become popular and an excellent alternative for rice. Millet is a healthier version because it is rich in protein and fibre, which is much more as compared to rice.

What are the benefits of millet?

Millet is rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber in millet is known as a “prebiotic,” which means it supports good bacteria in your digestive system. This type of fiber is also important for adding bulk to stools, which helps keep you regular and reduces your risk of colon cancer.

How long should we soak foxtail millet?

Wash millets and dal thoroughly until water runs clear. Soak for about 30 mins to 1 hour. The longer they are soaked the quicker and softer they turn. Drain them to a colander.

Why are millets expensive?

Millet products are comparatively more expensive than paddy rice or wheat because the millet grains are small and hence more difficult to process compared to Paddy. Indian Government has invested extensively in Paddy cultivation and processing and as a result cost of processing is low.

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Foxtail Millet Chicken Kanji

Course : Breakfast

Cuisine : Indian

Prep time : 10 minutes

Process time : 20minutes

Total time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Foxtail millet - 1 cup
Moong dal - 1 cup
Chicken minced - 1/2 cup
Onion - 2
Tomato - 1
Green chili - 7
Coriander leaves - handful
Mint leaves - handful
Ginger-garlic paste - 3 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
All spice - 1 tsp
Coconut milk - 1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Groundnut oil - 3 tsp
Salt - as per taste

Instructions:

Wash the Foxtail millet well, then wash the moong dal and soak them separately for 1 hour.
In a cast iron pan add 2 tsp of groundnut oil, then add spices into it, allow them to crack.
Now add 1 chopped onion in it and sauté them until brown.
Then add ginger-garlic paste, along with turmeric powder and sauté them until raw smell goes.
Add chopped tomato, and cook until it become mushy.
Now add chopped coriander and mint leaves and mix, then add chilies, sauté them for 5 minutes.
Add soaked foxtail millet and soaked moong dal and give a mix.
Add required water with salt as per taste.
Cover them and cook for 20 minutes. or until millet is cooked completely.
Finally add coconut milk, give a mix.
Serve hot!