Kodo Millet Vegetable Recipe – Authentic Indian Varagu & Potato Dish

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Kodo Millet Vegetable Recipe – Authentic Indian Varagu & Potato Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a healthy, comforting, and flavorful Indian dish, you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share my recipe for Kodo Millet Vegetable – a delightful blend of nutritious varagu (kodo millet) and seasonal veggies, tempered with aromatic spices. This is a dish my family absolutely loves, and I think yours will too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Kodo Millet Vegetable isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with goodness. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate a lesser-known millet into your diet, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a complete meal in itself – wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that just feels good to eat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty Kodo Millet Vegetable:

• 0.5 cup Kodo millet (Varagu) – about 100g
• 1 big onion, chopped
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• As needed salt
• 1.5 tbsp curd (plain yogurt) – about 30ml
• 1.5 cups water – 360ml
• 0.33 cup potato, chopped – about 75g
• 0.33 cup carrot, chopped – about 75g
• 5-6 beans, chopped
• 0.33 cup peas – about 75g
• 0.25 tsp turmeric powder – about 1.25g
• 1 tsp coriander powder – about 5g
• 1.5 tbsp oil – about 22.5ml
• 1 tsp cumin seeds – about 5g
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 bay leaf

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Kodo millet, or varagu as it’s known in many parts of India, is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s gluten-free, rich in fiber, and a great source of energy. It’s particularly popular in South India, and I love using it because of its slightly nutty flavor and quick cooking time.

The spices are key here. Cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf create a beautiful aromatic base – this is what we call tempering in Indian cooking. It’s a technique that unlocks the flavors of the spices and infuses the entire dish with warmth. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. I’ve used potato, carrot, beans, and peas, but you could easily add cauliflower, bell peppers, or even spinach.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the oil in a pressure pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Let them sizzle for a few seconds – you’ll know it’s ready when the cumin seeds start to pop!
2. Now, add the chopped onions, grated ginger, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and beautifully golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped vegetables – potato, carrot, beans, and peas – along with the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well, ensuring the vegetables are coated in the spices. Sprinkle in a little water (about 2 tablespoons) to prevent sticking, cover the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. It’s millet time! Add the washed kodo millet and 1.5 cups of water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water has evaporated. This should take around 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in the curd (yogurt) gently to prevent the millet from drying out. Cover the pan again and cook for another minute. The curd adds a lovely tanginess and creaminess to the dish.
6. Finally, turn off the heat and let the Kodo Millet Vegetable rest for 5 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of cashews for a little extra crunch.

Expert Tips

• Washing the Millet: Always wash the kodo millet thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove any dust or impurities.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the millet, or it will become mushy. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Adjusting Water: The amount of water needed may vary slightly depending on the type of kodo millet you use. Start with 1.5 cups and add more if needed.

Variations

• For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) along with the oil.
• My friend Priya loves to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brighter taste.
• If you like it spicy: Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is easily made vegan! Simply substitute the curd (yogurt) with a plant-based yogurt alternative, like cashew or soy yogurt.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yes! This Kodo Millet Vegetable recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy)

• Mild: Reduce the green chilies to 1 or omit them altogether.
• Medium: Use 2 green chilies as per the recipe.
• Spicy: Add 3-4 green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.

Festival Adaptations (Navratri/Fasting Friendly?)

This recipe can be adapted for Navratri fasting, but you’ll need to make a few adjustments. Omit the onion and garlic, and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Kodo Millet Vegetable hot with a side of raita (yogurt dip) or papad (crispy lentil wafers). It’s also delicious on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What is Kodo Millet (Varagu) and where does it originate?

Kodo millet, or varagu, is an ancient grain originating from India. It’s a small, oval-shaped millet that’s been cultivated for thousands of years, particularly in the Himalayan region and South India.

Can I substitute other millets for Kodo Millet in this recipe?

Yes, you can! Foxtail millet (kangni) or little millet (kutki) would be good substitutes. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of millet you use.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the spice level by changing the number of green chilies or adding a pinch of red chili powder.

Is this recipe suitable for a weight-loss diet?

Absolutely! Kodo millet is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight management.

What are some good accompaniments to serve with Kodo Millet Vegetable?

Raita, papad, a simple salad, or a lentil soup (dal) all pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Sauté the spices and vegetables in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then, add the millet and water, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.