Millet Semiya Recipe – Authentic South Indian Yogurt Noodle Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Millet Semiya Recipe – Authentic South Indian Yogurt Noodle Delight

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Millet Semiya. It’s a wonderfully light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot day, or honestly, any day when you’re craving something comforting yet healthy. I first made this when trying to incorporate more millets into our diet, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s a South Indian staple, and I’m so excited to share my version with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Millet Semiya isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with goodness! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional South Indian flavor profile in a healthier way. Plus, it’s super quick to put together – perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch. You’ll love the creamy texture and the delightful tang from the yogurt.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Millet Semiya:

• ½ cup Millet Semiya (approx. 80g)
• ¾ cup Yogurt (approx. 180ml)
• ¼ cup Milk (approx. 60ml)
• 1 tsp Oil (approx. 5ml)
• ¼ tsp Mustard seeds (approx. 1g)
• ½ tsp Channa dal (approx. 2g)
• ½ tsp Urad dal (approx. 2g)
• ½ Green chili, slit
• Few Coriander leaves, chopped
• Few Curry leaves
• Salt, as needed
• A pinch Asafoetida (Hing)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Millet Semiya: A Healthy & Gluten-Free Alternative – Millet semiya is essentially millet vermicelli. It’s a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional semolina (rava) semiya and is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Yogurt: Choosing the Right Kind for Texture – I prefer using slightly thick, creamy yogurt for this recipe. Dahi (Indian yogurt) works beautifully! If your yogurt is too thin, the semiya might become too watery.
• Regional Variations in Tempering – The tempering (or tadka) is where the magic happens! Every South Indian household has its own little twist. Feel free to adjust the dals and chilies to your liking.
• The Significance of Asafoetida (Hing) in South Indian Cuisine – Don’t skip the asafoetida! It adds a unique, savory depth to the dish. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is perfect. It also aids digestion – a bonus!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, soak the millet semiya in water for about 5 minutes. This softens it up nicely.
2. Drain the soaked semiya and steam it in an idli maker for 5-7 minutes. You want it cooked through but not mushy. Let it cool completely – this is important!
3. Now, let’s make the tempering. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
4. Once the mustard seeds pop, add the channa dal and urad dal. Fry until they turn golden brown.
5. Add the slit green chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Season with a little salt.
6. In a bowl, gently mix the cooled millet semiya with the yogurt and chopped coriander leaves.
7. Pour in the milk and mix well. Add more milk if you prefer a looser consistency. The mixture will loosen slightly as it sits.
8. Finally, refrigerate the Millet Semiya for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it extra refreshing.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Achieving the Perfect Consistency – The consistency should be creamy and slightly flowing, not too thick or too watery. Adjust the milk accordingly.
• Tips for Steaming Millet Semiya – Make sure the millet semiya is spread evenly in the idli plates for even steaming.
• Mastering the Tempering Process – Keep a close eye on the dals while tempering. They can burn quickly! Lower the heat if needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Millet Semiya – Simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your asafoetida (hing) is also gluten-free (some brands add wheat flour as a stabilizer).
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy) – Adjust the amount of green chili to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder to the tempering for extra heat. My friend, Priya, loves adding a finely chopped Serrano pepper!
• Festival Adaptations (Specifically for South Indian Festivals) – During festivals like Gokulashtami, this is often served as part of a larger spread. You can garnish it with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Millet Semiya is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments!

• Serve it with mor milagaai (chili in yogurt) or mango inji (mango ginger chutney) for an authentic South Indian experience.
• A simple papadum on the side adds a nice crunch.
• It also makes a lovely light dinner with a side of vegetable curry.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Millet Semiya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might thicken slightly upon refrigeration, so you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Millet Semiya and where can I find it? Millet semiya is millet vermicelli. You can find it at Indian grocery stores, health food stores, or online.
• Can I use a different type of yogurt for this recipe? Yes, you can! But I recommend using a slightly thick and creamy yogurt for the best texture.
• How can I adjust the sourness of the dish? The sourness comes from the yogurt. If you prefer a less sour dish, use a milder yogurt or add a teaspoon of sugar.
• Can this be made ahead of time? If so, for how long? Yes, you can make it ahead of time! It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance.
• What are Mor Milagaai and Mango Inji, and are they essential to the recipe? They are traditional South Indian accompaniments that add a wonderful flavor dimension. They aren’t essential, but they definitely elevate the experience!