Little Millet Chicken Mandi Recipe: A Nutritious Twist on a Classic, is a healthy twist on the classic chicken mandi. By replacing traditional rice with little millet, this dish becomes a wholesome alternative that retains all the flavors and spices of the original recipe while offering added nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
Spices:
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 piece javitri (mace)
- A small piece of nutmeg
Masalas:
- 2 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup little millet
- 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups water (for cooking millet)
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 piece of charcoal (for smoking)
Preparation of Little Millet Chicken Mandi
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
Dry-roast fennel, cumin, coriander, pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, javitri, and nutmeg for 2-3 minutes. Grind into a fine powder.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, lemon juice, salt, and the ground spice mix. Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Step 3: Soak the Little Millet
Rinse the millet and soak it for 1-6 hours. For every cup of millet, add 2 cups of water to cook it evenly.
Step 4: Steam Cooking
In a large pan, add marinated chicken with enough water to cover. Cook on high heat for 5 minutes, then simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the soaked millet, add it to the pan, stir, and cover. Cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes, letting the millet absorb all the flavors.
Step 5: Tawa Frying with Ghee
Heat ghee in a cast-iron pan (tawa). Transfer the cooked millet and chicken mixture onto the pan. Fry gently until the outside turns golden-brown and crispy, keeping the inside tender.
Step 6: Charcoal Smoking
For smoky flavor, heat a piece of charcoal until red. Place it in a small bowl inside the pan. Drizzle ghee over it, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Fluff the millet with a fork to mix the chicken and spices. Serve hot with raita or a fresh salad. The crispy millet and tender chicken will be a hit at the table.
Little Millet Chicken Mandi Recipe: A Nutritious Twist on a Classic ,offers a healthy twist on the classic chicken mandi. By using little millet instead of rice, this dish provides a nutritious alternative while maintaining the rich flavors and spices of the traditional recipe.”
Conclusion
Little Millet Chicken Mandi is a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional rice-based dishes like biryani or mandi. The aromatic spices, smoky chicken, and nutritious millet create a satisfying, wholesome meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy recipe will impress. Try it next time for a perfect blend of health and flavor!