Recipe- Flavorful And Fluffy Samak Chawal Pulao

Samak Chawal Pulao or Barnyard Millet Pilaf is quick and easy to make, flavorful & fluffy, one-pot or one-pan recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It becomes even more wholesome, satisfying, and tasty when you add more vegetables to the recipe.Because of its health benefits and simplicity, you can make this for regular breakfast, lunch boxes, or any meal. This dish is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. I have given the instruction for both stovetop and instant pot.

Ingredients

1 cup Barnyard Millet or Samak ke Chawal or Vari (check tips for substitute)
1 tbsp Cooking oil
1 Bay leaf
2 Peppercorns
1 Clove
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
1 tsp Cumin seeds
8 Curry leaves
1 tbsp Ginger, finely chopped
2 Green chilies, finely chopped
1 tbsp Cashews, chopped
2 tbsp Roasted Peanuts
1 tbsp Almonds
1 Potato, chopped into cubes
1/4 cup Carrot, chopped into cubes
2 1/2 cups Water
1/2 tsp Salt, adjust to taste
1/2 tsp Garam masala powder or curry powder
1 tbsp Cilantro or Coriander leaves, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice, adjust to taste

Method

* Soak the millet or samak chawal in enough water for 30 minutes. Wash and drain them. Keep it aside.

* In a pan on medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and saute for few seconds.

* Add curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, and saute for few seconds. Next, add cashews, peanuts, almonds, and continue sauteing until nuts turn golden in color.

* Add potatoes and carrots and saute for a minute. Finally, add samak chawal (millet), water, salt, garam masala powder, and stir.

* Once this comes to a boil, cover and cook it on a medium flame for 10 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and millet has cooked through. Switch off the flame. Cover it and keep it for few more minutes.

* Finally, add cilantro and lemon juice and toss to combine.