Travels for Taste

Tales of travel and food with a touch of spice

Mixed berries, finger millet and amaranth GF Pancakes

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Coconut Yoghurt is something that will change your life forever, I think I have jumped on the coconut yoghurt bandwagon a little late but better late than never right? I mean considering that coconut oil used for cooking and as a moisturizer and of course hair oil – I have done it all thanks to having lived in Mumbai. The most amazing taste of coconut oil in food I have eaten has got to be the banana chips sold at small tiny shops mostly to be found outside railway stations where raw banana slices are deep-fried in a massive wok gingerly balanced on a gas stove. It is a miracle how though these street food stall owners manage to function in tiny spaces in the busy bustling lanes adjoining stations – it is just something I shall never be able to figure out!

Ok back to coconut yoghurt – I wanted to use them in pancakes and also use a mix of flours to come up with a pancake that is not just fluffy but a bit crunchy too – a fusion of the dosa with the pancake really. This time I left out the Natvia sugar and upped the berries and let the natural fruit sugars do their magic.

Co Yo is a very creamy and delicious yoghurt made with coconut milk – it is 100% dairy-free , 100% gluten-free – and true to their tag line it really does taste like – heaven in a mouthful! An offshoot of Planet Organic these are now manufactured in Kent by Bethany and her husband Paul, read all about it here.

Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo
Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo

Health Benefits of these pancakes:

  • Finger Millet prevents any spikes in blood sugar as it is naturally Low GI
  • No added sugars mean it is refined sugar-free and safe for diabetics
  • The use of amaranth which is GF and a great source of protein. It contains lysine which most grains lack.
  • High Fiber
  • The omission of semolina will make this recipe suitable for vegans too
  • 100% dairy-free, 100% gluten-free coconut yoghurt
  • Thick and creamy consistency from the coconut milk yoghurt
  • A great option for people aiming to loose weight as part of a balanced diet with exercise
  • Low carb and low-fat recipe suitable for those looking to maintain low levels of bad cholesterol ( diabetes patients face a risk of increased cholesterol)

Amaranth is a gluten–free food and a source of complete protein—it contains all the essential amino acids, including lysine, which is lacking in most grains. High in fiber and a good source of magnesium and iron, Amaranth is a spectacular addition to your diet.

Mixed berries, finger millet and amaranth GF Pancakes

Finger Millet and Amaranth flour Pancakes
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Breakfast
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp Finger millet flour / Nachni in Marathi / Ragi in Hindi
  • 1 tbsp Amaranth flour /Rajgira in Marathi and Hindi
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Semolina / Toasted Rava – OMIT for a GF version
  • 2 tbsp Oats
  • 2 pots Coconut Yoghurt – one plain and one with vanilla
  • 1 tbsp Blueberries
  • 1 tbsp Blackberries
  • 1 tbsp Raspberries
  • 2 – 4 tsp Olive Oil
  • Water as required

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl add the oats,amaranth flour, semolina. Then add both the pots of yoghurt and mix well
  • To make your pancakes GF omit the semolina
  • Then chop the foods roughly and add them into the mixture
  • Dilute the mixture with water until you get a consistency good enough to pour into the pan and make a pancake
  • Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the mixture to develop the perfect pancake batter pouring consistency
  • For maximum effect stack the pancakes on a fancy plate, and serve with a large dollop of CoYo, and a handful of mixed berries
Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo
Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo

Notes

  • In my first attempt I did not add oats and used the mix immediately – the difference between adding oats and ensuring there is resting time, is a fluffier pancake that has more bounce and kick 
  • Double up quantity for 2 people
Pancake mix with CoYo
Pancake mix with CoYo
Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo
Mixed berries finger millet amaranth pancakes with CoYo

*With thanks to CoYo for sending over the samples. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Kindly do not reproduce any images without my prior permission. Please consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed as a Diabetic before making any drastic changes to your diet. None of the information in this post is to be used for self-diagnostic and/or medical purposes. Please consult your doctor and / or a trained dietitian for any existing health conditions.

Ragi Pancakes with blueberries (Finger Millet)

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Healthy Ragi Pancakes, Finger Millet Pancakes

I am obsessed with this healthy millet! I have been cooking a variety of dishes with Nachni (Marathi) / Ragi (Hindi) or Finger Millet as it is popularly known in the past few days. From savoury pancakes to porridge and using them in other recipes, I have been experimenting with them for a while now. I wanted to try using them as an alternative to regular pancakes so thought I would rustle up some sweet Ragi pancakes. But had to keep them healthy so opted for Soya Yoghurt instead of eggs which makes these vegan-friendly and then I added in oats so that makes them gluten-free too.

Nachni chya god polya

I really wanted to come up with some name for the Marathi alternative to this recipe and ‘Nachni chya god polya’ sounded like fun 😉

Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes / Ragi Pancakes

Light and puffy these are just perfect when you are craving pancakes but a healthier version is what you really want!

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

Ragi is known to have a whole host of health benefits:

  • Popular amongst diabetics due to it’s low GI
  • High is dietary fiber
  • Rich in calcium, iron and thiamine
  • It is an aid to healthy weight loss due to it’s very low fat content
  • It is a good source of GF protien
  • Popular as a baby food too

Nutritional value of finger millet per 100g

  • Protein 7.6g
  • Fat 1.5g
  • Carbohydrate 88g
  • Calcium 370mg
  • Vitamins – A: 0.48mg
  • Thiamine (B1): 0.33mg
  • Riboflavin (B2): 0.11mg
  • Niacin: (B3) 1.2mg
  • Fiber 3g

Beautiful fields of Ragi

800px-Millet_fields_in_Annapurna

Image Credit: Mikael Häggström

Why you should make these Ragi pancakes!

As if you need any excuses for making blueberry pancakes!!! But anyway, here are some major health benefits.

  • Low GI due to the finger millet flour so ideal for diabetics as it keeps blood sugar levels steady avoiding any sudden spikes and crashes.
  • Gluten-free
  • Ideal for vegans
  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg Free
  • Refined sugar-free as Natvia is a great sugar substitute
  • The oats ensure that this pancake keeps you fuller longer

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes/ Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes

Manjiri Chitnis
Healthy Ragi/ Finger millet recipe, low- GI, Vegan, Gluten -free, easy to follow, quick recipe
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Fusion Indian
Servings 1 person

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp heaped – Gluten-free Oats
  • 4 tbsp heaped Ragi flour / Finger Millet Flour
  • 3 tbsp Soya yoghurt – I used Alpro – it’s approved by the Vegan society
  • Handful Fresh Blueberries
  • As reqd Water
  • 4 tsp Natvia or any sweetener – adjust quantity as per taste
  • 1 tsp unsalted plant spread or low calorie cooking oil spray

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl add the oats and finger millet and then the yoghurt
  • Mix well and a thick mixture will form
  • Heat about 2 cups of water in a kettle and let it cool down a bit
  • Slowly pour into the mixture and set aside for about 5-7 minutes
  • Then mix well to form a batter ensuring that it is not runny but has a good consistency, then add the Natvia and stir well till it all dissolves, adjust as per taste
  • On a non-stick pan on medium heat melt one heaped tbsp unsalted butter or if your using the 1 cal sunflower oil spray then about 6 – 8 sprays are enough
  • Ladle enough of the batter in the centre of the pan enough for a mini pancake, do not spread it like a dosa as the batter will disintegrate
  • Cook on each side for about one minute with a lid
  • Use a wooden spatula to loosen the side done first and flip over carefully, the more the blueberries in each pancake that you ladle into the pan the more the water content as the heat will make the fruit pop and melt into gooey fruity goodness Don’t fret if the first few pancakes break especially where the fruit is at the edge
Keyword Ragi Pancakes
Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

My pancake stack collapsed just as I was about to photograph it – humfph! But it was a very satisfying, delicious, and healthy breakfast which even my husband loved – win-win! Woohoo 🙂

A word of caution though excessive consumption may lead to kidney trouble so don’t over do the consumption.

Fun-Fact about Ragi

Lastly a fun fact! Did you know that the grains are fermented to make a beer in some parts in Nepal? Cool or what?!

Ragi and Blueberry Pancakes , Finger Millet Blueberry Pancakes, Nachni chya god polya

LEARN HOW TO MAKE INDIAN FOOD FROM SCRATCH WITH MY EASY TO FOLLOW RECIPES

References:

  • Wiki
  • Supra Organics
  • Veg Weight Loss Diets

Tofu and whole red lentils salad

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A love affair with Tofu

I am currently in love with a few things like red lentils, avocados, butternut nut squash, oranges, baby spinach, baby kale, walnuts and matcha green tea. I somehow can’t seem to get enough of this. Also my love affair with tofu is just getting more passionate.

Easy Vegetarian Tofu Salad

The long Easter weekend has sped past far too quickly for me and I am now back to work. I just wanted to keep lunch really light today – guilty after ordering a Chinese takeaway yesterday *sad face*

So this recipe is basically me throwing together stuff found in my fridge, not necessarily planned but just what I thought would taste yummy and am very pleased with the result.

Fusion Indian Salad

Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad
Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad

Whole Masoor daal and Tofu salad

Manjiri Chitnis
Deicious, fusion Indian flavours in a vegetraian salad that is wholesome and very easy to put together
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Fusion Indian
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 80 gm Baby Spinach
  • 150 gm Whole Red lentils
  • 50 gm Tofu
  • 75 gm Butternut Squash and sweet potato diced
  • 1/2 Avocado
  • 1/2 Knorr stock pot – onion gravy
  • 1/2 Knorr stock pot mixed chillies
  • Few Walnuts chopped roughly to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius
  • Line a baking tray with a baking sheet
  • place the diced butternut squash and sweet potato, drizzle some olive oil, smoked sea salt, and black pepper.
  • Wash the whole red lentils ( laal masoor ) in a sieve under running water
  • Place the washed whole red lentils with double the quantity of water in a small saucepan and add in the Knorr stock pots of onion gravy and mixed chillies.
  • Cover with a lid and allow to boil until the dal is completely cooked. Top up with more water if you think it is running dry
  • Place the tofu on a non-stick pan and dry roast on a low-medium flame for about 4 minutes each side or until done
  • Meanwhile, half the avocado, scoop out the flesh and roughly cut into large chunks with a spoon
  • Remove the butternut squash and sweet potato from the oven and set aside
  • Remove the lid from the saucepan with the cooked whole red lentils and allow them to rest for a while, as they should not be too hot when served, also allowing it to sit will help the dal to absorb any excess water, if there is too much excess water simply drain it
  • To plate, divide the spinach leaves equally on the plate, then serve the cooked masoor dal on top, followed by the oven roasted butternut squash and sweet potato, dry roasted tofu and finally top with the walnuts to garnish

Notes

  • Laal = Red in Marathi
  • Masoor = Red Lentils in Marathi
  • For this recipe, I have used whole red lentils with brown skin on. Alternatively, if you are pressed for time, you could use cooked ready to eat Puy lentils, but then you would accordingly need to adjust the time used to cook them with the stockpot I use a fan assisted oven, adjust setting accordingly to suit your oven type
  • I purchased a ready to roast pack of diced butternut squash and sweet potato from the supermarket
  • If like me you like to batch cook and also have cooked ingredients at hand to use at a later date, then, you could roast a larger batch of the diced butternut squash and sweet potato, so that you have these ready to be used in soups, salads, and curries
  • If you like your tofu firm then cut out about 1/4th of the tofu from the pack and place it on a kitchen towel to remove excess water, then place another plate on top keep something on this plate to weigh it down. Leave aside for 10 minutes. This should drain the excess water from the tofu. Alternatively, just cut the tofu straight from the pack into large chunks
  • If like me, you haven’t drained and pressed the tofu to become extra firm, then handle it very gently with a wooden spatula as it easily crumbles

Quick and easy fusion Indian vegetarian salad recipe

Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad
Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad

I found that this salad didn’t require any dressing or drizzling as the cooked dal works well with the succulent and sweet squash and the tofu adds texture and tastes great with the spinach. Walnuts add crunch, taste fab and are great for those who try this salad for the first time expecting it to be boring. Avocado I like with everything so I simply like having it in there.

I am up for experimenting and may try various permutations of this salad with the following toppings, not only will they make your salad more interesting but also help you reduce food wastage by finding new ways to recycle any of the following leftovers :

  • Steamed fish – salmon and topped with pine nuts
  • Pan grilled Tofu and walnuts
  • Slices of pork salami with nuts

I shall be reporting back with happy experiments with salads and smoothies soon  for now am just very satisfied with the end result and the fact that I am back to eating healthy.

Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad
Whole Masoor Dal and Tofu salad

Looking for recipe inspiration to create your own salad? Why not browse through my other salad recipe posts:

Recipes where salads are the Main event

Seafood salads

Vegetarian Salads

Salads as a side dish

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