6 mins read
Last updated : 07-10-2025
Barnyard Millet
Barnyard millets have long been a favorite of ruminants - their long leaves providing sumptuous fodder. Their pointy panicles resembling a ponytail, have tiny, tightly placed spikelets in a deep taupe, or purple or green swirled around them. When hulled and cooked, these little spikelet grains almost resemble tiny rice. Known as Interestingly, in India, the vernacular words for barnyard millets are not cognates - The Tamils are taken by their graceful beauty, aptly calling them kuthiraivali (or horse-tailed). In the hills of Himachal, an important producer of these millets, they are called jhangora. In the last many decades, people have come to appreciate shiny white grains of rice that fill their bellies with energy and these little seeds that seem to grow wild and little care were hardly worth coveting. But the search for protein rich foods and a reclamation of ancient grains has put the focus on barnyard millets again. I am always a bit wary when something ancient finds a sudden spotlight in the food media and barnyard millets have surely been one of them. Remember that it is a simple, wholesome food, not ‘superfood’, that has fed communities and their livestock in the remotest parts of the world and is now in the center of the ‘millet revolution’.
One Different Names
One grain, endless benefits!
Barnyard Millet keeps it simple, satisfying, and smart.Samak, also known as Samavat or Barnyard Millet, isn’t actually rice — but it closely resembles tiny rice grains in texture and taste. When cooked, it transforms into a soft, creamy base that’s perfect for desserts like Kheer (Indian rice pudding)
Cult from millets
Our SalemMango family loved these cutlets—they didn’t even know they were eating millets! 😅 If you’re new to millets, this recipe is the perfect way to start. Do try this super healthy recipe and let your family guess the main ingredient.
Ingredients for Millet cutlet homemade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Barnyard millet | 1 cup |
| Finely chopped onion | 1/2 cup |
| Grated carrot | 1/2 cup |
| Mashed potato | 1/2 cup |
| Grated ginger | 2 tbsp |
| Finely chopped green chilli | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Red chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Jeera powder | 1 tbsp |
| Amchoor powder | 1 tbsp |
| Besan / Gram flour | 2 tbsp |
| Finely chopped coriander | As needed |
Method
Bake these cutlets at 180°C for 15–20 mins for a healthier version.Add finely chopped capsicum or spinach for extra nutrition.
Healthy South Indian Millet Snack
Kuthiraivali pidi kozhukattai / steamed barnyard millet savory cakes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard millet | 1.5 cups |
| Toor dal | 1.5 tbsp |
| Coconut oil | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 4.5 cups |
| Grated coconut | 1 cup |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Channa dal | 1 tbsp |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Moong dal | 1 tbsp |
| Dry red chillies (broken) | 5 |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 tsp |
Method
Samak Rice Kheer Recipe – Healthy Barnyard Millet Kheer for Fasting
Samak Rice Kheer is light, smooth, and wholesome — an ideal dish for fasting days (vrat) or when you crave something sweet yet healthy. You can also enhance it with fruits, nuts, or dates for extra flavor and nutrition.
Try this creamy, delicious Samak (Barnyard Millet) Rice Kheer, perfect for fasting or healthy desserts. Made with SalemMango Barnyard Millet, milk, and nuts, it’s a nourishing and gluten-free sweet treat
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard millet (Samak rice) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 4 cups |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar or jaggery | 1/4 cup (adjust to taste) |
| Cardamom powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) | 2 tbsp |
| Saffron strands (optional) | A few |
| Fresh or dried fruits (banana, apple, dates) | As desired |
Method
Healthy Millet Khichdi