Foxtail Millet Salad
Millet salads are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch. Millets are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those aiming for balanced blood sugar levels.
We can choose to serve millet salads as a side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing dinner option. They provide a fantastic way to incorporate whole grains into the diet while providing a delightful medley of flavours and textures. We can experiment with different millet varieties and ingredients to create our own signature millet salad, tailored to suit our taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whoever said salads are boring, has clearly not delved into the wholesome world of nutrition and taste. Salads are pretty versatile- just replace the dressing and the whole flavor changes. There is a lot we can do with salads, to make them appealing, nutritious and at the same time palatable.
Here is a simple recipe for a basic millet salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup foxtail millet, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup paneer, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed millet and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the millet is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff the millet with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked millet, cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the millet mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled paneer on top.
- Chill the millet salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to combine together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your nutritious and flavourful millet salad!
