Before we moved to Penang, the variety of millet on our diet was predominantly restricted to finger millet and pearl millet. Once we moved here the seasonal availability of the other millet like foxtail millet and little millet jumpstarted a series of experiments and reviving some old recipes all using the millets.
The one we are discussing today is an age old recipe Little millet Porridge. The recipe originates as a farmers recipe for a cooling porridge which has slow release carbs to aid him sustain the heat and toil of the fields. This recipe is from the age old tamilian cuisine.
To adapt it to modern days, the recipe is perfect as a ” grain gazpacho”. It’s a well balanced cold porridge post workout. The addition of probitotics and the low glycenic index of the little millet makes it perfect for the diabetics. What more this gluten free option can be served for breakfast sweet or savory. Coming under soft foods it is easy on the kids and the old people.
Little Millet (Samai arisi- kutki- chama)
Samai rice is a forgotten grain which grows well in areas with less water. In the current concerns of water shortage and global warming it may be a great grain option to promote.This is gluten free whole grain with higher fiber. More over, it has a low glycemic index and suitable for diabetics.
Today’s recipe is being made the traditional way. This salted version with yogurt, crushed shallots and chillies as accompaniments is a filling breakfast. You can upgrade it by preparing a gremolata of bell peppers, lemon and chillies too.

little millet savory porridge
You can serve it sweet too.. Add in a dollop of your favorite fruit compote, omit the salt and you are good to go.
Prepare it overnight and chill for the blazing Sunday’s.
With plenty of variations now you have no excuse but to make it. Enjoy the upgraded version of millet Koozhu and ping me back which version you prefer.
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To happy summer days….

Little millet porridge/ samai Rice koozhu
a cooling porridge which has slow release carbs
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Little millet dehusked
- 2 cups drinking water
To be added after cooling
- 2 cup buttermilk
- salt to taste
- shallots thinly sliced, optional
- chilli optional
- Rice cracker savory, optional
Instructions
- In a sauce pan bring the two cups of water to a boil.
- Add in the two tbsp of little millet grains
- Cook till the grains turn soft.
- Remove from flame and cool
To add following cooling
- Whisk together the butter milk and salt till a bit frothy
- Add this to the cooked and cooled little millet.
- Stir well till they are well incorporated.
Serve as required
- Garnish with chopped shallots, chillies / yogurt cured chilli, rice cracker.
- Serve cool.
Notes
Add more water if you like it runny. Change the accompaniments to suit your tastes. For a complete meal you can serve this with a salad - warm or cold.
Nutrition
Serving: 70gCalories: 58kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Healthy treat !