I ventured into the world of millets back in 2013, and since then, I've consistently experimented with various recipes by seamlessly substituting rice. It's a straightforward switch, and this time, I opted for little millets, also known as Samai in Tamil, to whip up a quick batch of adais. Typically, adai involves soaking rice and lentils, grinding them into a coarse batter. Known for being protein-rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, adai makes for a fantastic lunch or breakfast option. As anticipated, my adai turned out splendidly, albeit with a twist – I prefer them thinner, so the adai in the picture resembles more of a dosa!

Ingredients

1 cup little mmillets ( samai )
1/2 cup chana dal ( Bengal gram )
1/4 cup moong dal
2 tbsp rice flour to be used only if necessary
1/2 tsp black pepper corns.
salt to taste
3-4 red dry chilies
Pinch of asafoetida power
curry leaves.
Sesame oil to prepare Adai.

Method

Wash and Soak all dals together for 3-4 hours.Drain water well and grind to a coarse batter with red chillies, salt and  Asafoetida powder .
The batter should look like idli batter.
Remove batter and keep aside.
Heat  a dosa griddle, grease and wipe well. Drop a ladle of batter, spread into circles like dosa, but little thicker and finally finish off the edges by making it  thin .
Add drops of sesame oil around the edges while the adai cooking to get a crispy end.
Flip and cook on other side. Keep the flame on medium heat.
Millets are totally nutrion packed and a power house of great many minerals and vitamins.
Gluten free and highly nutritious, millets are ideal for all age groups including children.
Millets provide immense ebenergy to athletes, ideal for those with celiac problems, and with sensitive body.
They a re a complete protein source, 15 % protein, high amounts of iron, magnesium, copper,essential amino acids, B comples vitamins, including niacin, folacin, thiamin,riboflavin.
Millets are rich in  phytic acid, believed to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Millets are also believed to lower diabetes, blood sugar control, reducing cancer risks.
If you feel the adai is little soft, the add the 2 tbs of rice flour to make adjustments to batter .
Serve hot with sambar, chutneys, molga podi  and jaggery.
Tips
Add finely chopped onions, grated ginger to batter  for a masala adai .

Recipe no 2.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup little millets, washed and soaked for 2 hours

• 1/4 cup split yellow lentils (chana dal)

• 1/4 cup split black gram lentils (urad dal)

• 2 tablespoons red gram lentils (masoor dal)

• 2-3 dry red chilies (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 inch ginger, grated

• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh coconut, grated (optional)

• A handful of curry leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves

• Salt to taste

• Water (as needed)

• Oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Rinse the little millets and lentils together in water. Soak them in water for about 2 hours.

2. Grinding:

   • Drain the soaked little millets and lentils. Grind them along with dry red chilies and grated ginger into a coarse batter using a blender or a food processor. Add a little water as needed to achieve a thick, pourable consistency.

3. Mixing:

   • Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl. Add chopped onions, fresh coconut (if using), chopped curry leaves, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well.

4. Cooking:

   • Heat a griddle or non-stick pan. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the center and spread it into a thin, even circle.

   • Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook on medium heat until the edges turn golden brown.

   • Flip the adai and cook the other side until it is cooked through and has a golden brown color.

   • Repeat the process for the remaining batter.

5. Serving:

   • Serve the Little Millets Adai hot with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or any chutney of your choice. It also pairs well with yogurt.

Note:

• You can customize the spice levels according to your taste by adjusting the quantity of red chilies.

• The addition of fresh coconut enhances the flavor, but it's optional.

• Little Millets Adai is a versatile dish, and you can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or spinach to the batter for added nutrition.

Enjoy your Little Millets Adai as a wholesome and nutritious meal!

Nutritional benefits of Little millets

Millets are totally nutrition packed and a power house of great many minerals and vitamins.
Gluten free and highly nutritious, millets are ideal for all age groups including children.
Millets provide immense energy to athletes, ideal for those with celiac problems, and with sensitive body.
They are  a complete protein source, 15 % protein, high amounts of iron, magnesium, copper,essential amino acids, B comples vitamins, including niacin, folacin, thiamin,riboflavin.
Millets are rich in  phytic acid, believed to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Millets are also believed to lower diabetes, blood sugar control, reducing cancer risks.