Craving a sweet treat without sabotaging your weight loss journey? Look no further than Millet Semiya Payasam! This delicious and nutritious dessert combines the goodness of protein-rich millets with the creamy richness of traditional payasam. Not only is it a delightful treat, but it also offers numerous health benefits for weight management and overall well-being.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hillsnatural Millet Semiya
- 2 cups Milk (whole milk or low-fat milk)
- ½ cup Sugar (adjust to taste, consider natural sweeteners like jaggery)
- 10-12 Cashews, chopped
- 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee
- 10-12 Dried Grapes (Raisins)
- 2 tbsp Milkmaid (Condensed Milk) (optional)
- ½ cup Carrot, grated
Recipe: How to Make Healthy Millet Semiya Payasam
1st Step: Roast the Millet Semiya
- Heat 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan over low heat.
- Add the Hillsnatural Millet Semiya and roast it slowly, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color.
- Remove the roasted semiya from the pan and set it aside.
2nd Step: Cook the Carrot (Optional)
- In the same pan used for roasting the semiya, add the grated carrot.
- Sauté the carrot for 2-3 minutes on low heat until it softens slightly.
- You can skip this step if you prefer a simpler payasam.
3rd Step: Boil the Milk and Add Semiya
- In a separate pot, bring the milk to a gentle boil.
- Add the roasted millet semiya to the boiling milk.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and cook the payasam until the semiya becomes soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4th Step: Sweeten the Payasam
- Once the semiya is cooked through, add sugar to taste.
- You can also add Milkmaid (condensed milk) for additional sweetness (optional).
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
5th Step: Add Flavor and Texture
- (Optional): If you cooked the carrot earlier, add it back to the payasam at this stage.
- The carrot offers a subtle sweetness, additional texture, and a boost of nutrients.
6th Step: Prepare the Garnish
- Heat the remaining oil or ghee in a small pan.
- Fry the cashews and raisins until golden brown.
- These will add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the payasam.
Step#7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish the cooked millet semiya payasam with the fried cashews and raisins.
- Serve the payasam warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Why Millet Semiya Payasam is a Perfect Healthy Dessert Option
Millet semiya payasam is more than just a delicious treat; it offers several health benefits:
- Packed with Nutrients: Millets are a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes them a nutritious addition to your diet, even when used in a dessert.
- Weight Management Friendly: Millets are high in dietary fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer and reduces cravings. This can help you control your calorie intake and support weight loss goals.
- Low Glycemic Index: Unlike many sugary desserts, millet semiya payasam has a low glycemic index. This means it releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream, preventing sugar spikes and making it suitable for diabetics in moderation.
- Boosts Digestion: The fiber content in millets improves gut health and prevents bloating, ensuring smoother digestion.
- Heart-Healthy: Millets help reduce bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health.
Additional Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of millets to create variations of this sweet dish. Foxtail millet (thinai) or kodo millet are both excellent choices.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
- Consider using natural sweeteners like jaggery or honey instead of refined sugar for a healthier and more flavorful dessert.
Enjoy this delicious Millet Semiya Payasam as a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth!