Millets and their benefits

Millets are a type of ancient grain that is gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

They have many health benefits, such as improving digestion, immunity, blood sugar control, and heart health. Millets can also help with weight loss, as they are filling and low in calories.

There are different types of millets, such as foxtail, finger, pearl, buckwheat, and more. Each one has its unique flavor and texture. Millets can be cooked like rice or quinoa, or used to make salads, fritters, burgers, granola, porridge, breads, and cakes.

a world map made of grains and beans, millets
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Here are some easy and delicious recipes to try with millets:

– Spiced millet salad with chickpeas and garam masala

– Millet sweet corn fritters with honey and coconut

– Puffed millet granola with almonds and dried fruits

– Easy summer millet salad with cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese

– One-pot millet pilaf with vegetables and turmeric

– Millet veggie burgers with oats and herbs

– Millet porridge with milk, nuts, and berries

Millets are a group of gluten-free grains that are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. They have many health benefits, such as improving digestion, immunity, blood sugar control, and heart health. Millets are also easy to cook and versatile. You can use them to make salads, pilafs, burgers, fritters, porridge, breads, and cakes. Here are some recipes you can try with millets:

– Spiced millet salad: Cook millet with water, salt, garam masala, and turmeric. Fluff with a fork and toss with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil.

– Millet sweet corn fritters: Mix cooked millet with corn kernels, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Drop spoonfuls of the batter on a greased skillet and cook until golden on both sides. Serve with sour cream or yogurt.

– Puffed millet granola: In a large bowl, toss puffed millet with almonds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat honey and coconut oil until melted. Pour over the millet mixture and stir well. Spread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or until golden. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container.


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Gluten-free grains

If you want to try some other gluten-free grains, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of them are quinoa, buckwheat, rice, corn, amaranth, teff, and sorghum. They all have their unique flavors and textures and can be used in similar ways as millets.

Quinoa is one of the most popular gluten-free grains. It’s very nutritious and has all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Quinoa is also very versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Here are some tasty recipes you can make with quinoa:

– Quinoa veggie burgers: Mash some cooked quinoa with black beans, oats, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them on a greased skillet until browned on both sides. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings.

– Quinoa pilaf with vegetables and turmeric: Cook some quinoa with water, salt, turmeric, and bay leaf in a pot until fluffy. In another pan, sauté some onion, carrot, celery, peas, raisins, almonds, salt, pepper, and parsley in some oil until soft. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and toss it with the vegetable mixture.

– Quinoa breakfast bake with pears: In a small bowl, whisk some eggs with milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl, toss some cooked quinoa with chopped pears and walnuts. Transfer the quinoa mixture to a baking dish and pour the egg mixture over it. Bake it in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes or until set.

Buckwheat is another gluten-free grain that has a nutty and earthy flavor. It’s very nutritious and has all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Buckwheat is also very versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Here are some tasty recipes you can make with buckwheat:

– Buckwheat mushroom risotto: Toast some buckwheat groats in a pot until fragrant. Then add some vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the buckwheat is tender. In another pan, sauté some onion, garlic, mushrooms, thyme, salt, pepper, and butter until soft. Stir in some parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve the buckwheat topped with the mushroom mixture.

– Buckwheat kale salad: Cook some buckwheat groats with water and salt until fluffy. In a large bowl, whisk some olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic. Add some chopped kale and massage it with the dressing until wilted. Toss in some cooked buckwheat, cherry tomatoes, avocado, feta cheese, and almonds.

– Buckwheat banana bread: In a large bowl, mash some ripe bananas with a fork. Add some eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, and mix well. In another bowl, whisk some buckwheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and walnuts. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Amaranth is another gluten-free grain that has a nutty and earthy flavor. It’s very nutritious and has all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Amaranth is also very versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Here are some easy ways to cook amaranth:

– Amaranth porridge: In a pot, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of amaranth and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and serve with your choice of milk, fruits, nuts, seeds, or sweeteners.

– Amaranth pop: In a skillet over high heat, toast 1 tablespoon of amaranth at a time until they pop like popcorn. Shake or stir constantly to prevent burning. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with more amaranth if desired. Sprinkle with salt or sugar and enjoy as a snack or use as a topping for salads or soups.

– Amaranth pilaf: In a pot, bring 3 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of amaranth, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric, and a bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in some chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve as a side dish or add some cooked beans or veggies for a complete meal.

Corn is another gluten-free grain that has a sweet and juicy flavor. It’s very nutritious and has many health benefits such as improving digestion, immunity, eye health, and skin health. Corn is also very versatile and can be used in many different recipes. Here are some delicious recipes you can make with corn:

– Corn soup: In a blender or food processor, puree 2 cups of corn kernels with 2 cups of water until smooth. Transfer to a pot and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Garnish with some fresh parsley or cilantro.

– Corn cheese balls: In a large bowl, mash 1 cup of boiled potatoes with a fork. Add 1 cup of grated cheese, 1/4 cup of corn kernels, 2 tablespoons of corn flour, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes to taste. Mix well and shape into small balls. Coat them with some bread crumbs and deep fry them in hot oil until golden and crisp. Serve hot with ketchup or chutney.

– Corn salad: In a large bowl, toss 2 cups of cooked corn kernels with 1 chopped tomato, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber, 2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil to taste. Refrigerate for an hour or until chilled. Enjoy it as a refreshing salad or a side dish.


Sources and references-

5 Healthy gluten-free grains

A millet melting pot



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Spiciness in Food

selective focus photography of bunch of chilies

How to reduce spiciness in food?

There are several ways to reduce the spiciness of a dish with green chilies, depending on the type and amount of chilies you use, the other ingredients in the dish, and your personal preference.

– Add more ingredients to dilute the spiciness. The easiest way to tone down a dish that’s too spicy is to add more ingredients to lessen the proportion of the spicy element. If it’s a soup or stew, try adding more liquid. Add more vegetables, protein, or starches, too — whatever ingredient you have extra of¹.

blur calcium close up dairy, adding milk can reduce the spiciness in food
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– Add dairy. Dairy is great at counteracting spiciness and can add a nice cooling effect. You can add milk, sour cream, or even a dollop of plain yogurt over each serving, but beware of adding and then cooking the dairy over higher heat, as it may curdle. Coconut milk technically isn’t dairy, but lends a great creaminess to dishes; plus it goes well with a lot of Asian flavors if that’s the kind of dish you’re trying to tone down.

– Add acid. Take this trick from Thai cuisine, which happily uses lots of chiles. To counteract spiciness, a lot of their dishes use a liberal amount of acid from citrus, vinegar, or even ketchup. A spoonful can really do wonders to balance out and counteract the spiciness¹.

– Add a sweetener. Like acid, sugar or other sweeteners add a different element of flavor that can tame spiciness. This one comes with a caveat, though, as you want to add very small amounts and taste constantly so your savory dish doesn’t end up tasting like dessert. Try adding a little sugar, brown sugar, honey, or tomato sauce (which is high in sugar) to balance out too spicy chili². You could also try adding some caramelized onions which will add natural sweetness along with another layer of flavor².

– Add a potato or two. Another good idea for reducing excess spice is to add a couple of peeled russet potatoes or sweet potatoes to the chili. The potatoes will soak up liquid along with some of the spice as they cook. Because they soak up so much liquid and will release starch as they cook you may need to add additional liquid to the chili. Remove the potatoes from the chili before serving².

– Add nut butter. A fun trick I’ve read about is to add a spoonful of nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, to soups and stews. Apparently, it will help mellow the dish out but won’t be really noticeable when you eat it.

– Serve with bland, starchy foods. Let’s say your overly spicy dish tastes perfect otherwise, and you don’t want to mess with it by adding other ingredients. My simple solution is to serve it with something bland and starchy so that when eaten together, the spice is diffused a bit. Rice, pasta, crusty bread, or potatoes are all great candidates¹.

I hope this helps you reduce the spiciness of your dish with green chilies. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️

Does adding or squeezing a lemon reduce the spiciness of food?

shallow focus photography of yellow lime with green leaves reduces spiciness in food
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Yes, adding or squeezing a lemon can help to reduce the spiciness in a dish. The acidity in lemon juice helps to neutralize the capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot. This can help to make a dish more tolerable for those who are sensitive to spice. In addition, lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors of a dish and add a bit of zing.

I hope this helps you understand how lemon juice can help with spicy food. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🍋


Source:

(1) 6 Quick Ways to Tone Down a Dish That’s Too Spicy – Kitchen

(2) Help My Chili is Too Spicy (7 Ways to Cool Chili Down).

(3) 3 Ways To Tone Down The Heat Of Spicy Chili Peppers.

(4) Reducing The Spiciness Of Chili With Sugar | Greengos Cantina.


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Health benefits of green chili?

photo of chili peppers

Does green chilli have health benefits?

Green chilli is a spicy and flavorful ingredient that can add a zing to any dish.

photo of chili peppers, health benefits
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

But did you know that green chilli also has many health benefits? Here are some of them:

– Green chilli is a zero-calorie food that can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for your immune system, skin, and eyes.

– Green chilli has antioxidants that can protect your body from free radicals and prevent cancer. It can also reduce the risk of prostate problems by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells¹².

– Green chilli can improve your cardiovascular health by lowering your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and preventing blood clots. It can also regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes¹³.

– Green chilli can relieve pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It can also help you fight infections by stimulating the mucus membranes and clearing the nasal passages¹².

– Green chilli can enhance your mood and reduce stress by stimulating the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates happiness and well-being.

– Green chilli can boost your sex drive by increasing blood flow to the genitals and enhancing sexual arousal².

– Green chilli can prevent iron deficiency and anaemia by providing a natural source of iron, which is vital for the production of red blood cells².

I hope this helps you understand some of the health benefits of green chilli. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️



Source-

(1) 12 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Green Chillies: Zero Calories, But …

(2) 10 amazing health benefits of green chillies! – Hopscotch.

(3) Green Chilli – Nutrition: Health Benefits and Facts – Times Foodie.

Green chilli intake per day

The amount of green chilli you should eat per day depends on your personal preference, tolerance, and health condition. There is no definitive answer to how much green chilli is safe or optimal for everyone, but here are some general guidelines based on the information I found online:

– Eating about 12 to 15 grams of green chillies in a day is enough. Eating more than this can lead to acidity and other gut issues. However, the number of green chillies you can eat depends on your digestive capacity.

– To avoid negative side effects from chilis, limit your chilli intake to half a cup or less at a time, and choose mild chilis rather than hot chilis¹.

– It is advised that green chillies should be avoided by diabetic and piles patients. Diabetes becomes lower than normal due to excess consumption of green chillies. Therefore, diabetic patients who are on medications should avoid green chilli intake. Moreover, patients suffering from piles should also avoid the consumption of green chillies⁵.

– Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to consult their doctors before using any herb as a medicine⁴. Green chillies may have adverse effects on the mother or the baby if consumed in excess.

– People who have ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease should also be careful with their green chilli intake, as it may worsen their symptoms.

I hope this helps you understand how much green chilli you should eat per day. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Cheers! 🌶️



Source:

(1) Benefits of green chilli: Here’s how it can cause weight loss and ….

(2) Health Benefits, Side Effects And Ways To Consume Green Chillies.

(3) Green Chilli: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!.

(4) Green Chilli Benefits And Its Side Effects | Lybrate

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Green Chilli Icecream

green pepper

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to taste ice cream with a spicy kick? If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something different, you might want to check out green chilli ice cream, a unique and delicious fusion of ice cream and Indian spice.

Green chilli ice cream is not a new invention, but it is gradually gaining popularity among ice cream lovers who are looking for a novel and exciting flavour. It is made by adding chopped or crushed green chillies to vanilla ice cream, along with other ingredients such as sugar, cream, lime juice, khus syrup, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, paprika, and cumin. The result is a creamy and refreshing ice cream with a hint of heat and tanginess that will surprise your taste buds.

Green chilli ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts such as chocolate cake, apple pie, or kulfi. Some people also like to garnish it with pistachios, almonds, or dried red chillies for extra crunch and colour. You can find green chilli ice cream in some speciality ice cream parlours or make it at home using simple ingredients and an ice cream maker.

If you are wondering how to make green chilli ice cream at home, you can follow one of these recipes that I found online:

– Green Chili Ice Cream with Cumin/Pistachios: This recipe uses green chilli wine and frozen green chillies to infuse the ice cream with flavour. It also adds vanilla essence, lemon zest, and khus syrup for a balanced taste. The pistachios add some texture and contrast to the ice cream.

– Raw Mango Chili Ice Cream: This recipe combines raw mango and green chilli to create a tangy and spicy ice cream. It also uses full-fat milk and fresh cream for a rich and smooth texture. The salt enhances the flavour of the ice cream and balances the sweetness.

– Apple Green-Chile Pie and Ice Cream: This recipe pairs green chilli ice cream with apple pie for a delicious dessert. The apple pie is made with fresh apples, green chillies, sugar, butter, flour, and spices. The green chilli ice cream is made with dried red chillies, vanilla ice cream, whipping cream, and sugar.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog on green chilli ice cream. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something different, you might want to give this flavour a try. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below. Happy eating! 😋

Green chilli icecream

Source –

(1) Green Chili Ice Cream with Cumin/Pistachios

mango chilli ice cream

(2) Raw Mango Chili Ice Cream

apple Green chili pie ice-cream

(3) Apple Green-Chile Pie and Ice Cream.

Chill milli ice cream

(4) Chilli Milli Ice Cream Recipe Card – Sanjeev Kapoor.

(5) Chilli Ice-Cream Recipe Card – Sanjeev Kapoor.

(6) Green Chilli Flavored Ice Cream.

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