Are you looking for a healthier alternative to traditional wheat flour? Look no further than Bajra flour! Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is a nutrient-rich grain that has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. Not only does it offer a nutty flavor and coarser texture compared to regular flour, but it’s also packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we’ll explore 17 delicious and nutritious Bajra flour recipes that will take your cooking to the next level. From savory dishes like Bajra Roti with Ghee and Jaggery to sweet treats like Bajra Ladoo with Sesame and Jaggery, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative or simply want to mix things up in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress.
Bajra Roti with Ghee and Jaggery
A traditional Indian flatbread recipe that combines the nutty flavor of millets (bajra) with the richness of ghee and the sweetness of jaggery. Perfect as a quick breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon ghee, melted
– 1 tablespoon jaggery powder
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bajra flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the lukewarm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the roti for 30 seconds on each side, until lightly browned and slightly puffed.
6. Brush with melted ghee and sprinkle with jaggery powder.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of rotis)
Bajra Khichdi with Mixed Vegetables
This traditional Indian recipe is a perfect blend of protein-rich bajra (millet) and mixed vegetables, making it an excellent option for a quick and nutritious meal. The combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., green beans, peas, cauliflower)
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the bajra and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and pressure cook the bajra with 2 cups of fresh water until mushy.
3. Heat oil/ghee in a pan, add diced potatoes, and sauté until they are half-cooked.
4. Add grated carrot, mixed vegetables, and cooked bajra to the pan. Stir well.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes (including soaking time)
Bajra Thepla with Fresh Coriander
Bajra theplas are a popular Punjabi flatbread that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of chai or as a snack with raita. In this recipe, we add a burst of freshness from coriander leaves to elevate the flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra (pearl millet) flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– Optional: garlic, ginger, or green chilies for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine bajra flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add ghee or oil and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead into a smooth dough.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
6. Place a small handful of chopped coriander leaves in the center of each thepla.
7. Fold the edges to form a triangle or a square shape, and press gently to seal.
8. Cook on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Bajra Dosa with Coconut Chutney
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or snack option from the Indian cuisine, Bajra Dosa is a popular dish made with pearl millet flour. This recipe combines the dosa with a creamy coconut chutney for added delight.
Ingredients:
For the Dosa:
– 2 cups pearl millet flour (bajra)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
– Ghee or oil, for greasing
For the Coconut Chutney:
– 1 cup grated coconut
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together bajra flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead into a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle (dosa).
5. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
6. Grease the pan with ghee or oil.
7. Cook dosas for 1-2 minutes, until they start to curl and bubbles appear on the surface.
8. Flip and cook for another minute.
9. Serve hot with Coconut Chutney.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bajra Pudla (Savory Pancakes) with Peanuts
A traditional Gujarati snack, Bajra Pudla is a flavorful and crispy flatbread made with pearl millet flour, peanuts, and spices. Perfect for a quick bite or as an accompaniment to your favorite soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl millet flour (bajra)
– 1/2 cup peanuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together pearl millet flour, peanuts, salt, cumin seeds, and coriander powder.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pancakes for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite chutney or as a snack.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bajra Porridge with Almonds and Dates
Start your day with a hearty and comforting bowl of bajra porridge, flavored with the sweetness of dates and crunch of almonds. This nutritious breakfast dish is perfect for a quick morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra (pearl millet)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 2 pitted dates, sliced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: sugar or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the bajra and soak it in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and wash the bajra thoroughly.
3. In a large pot, combine the drained bajra and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the porridge is creamy and the grains are cooked.
4. Add chopped almonds, sliced dates, ghee or oil, and salt to taste. Mix well.
5. Serve hot, with optional sugar or honey to sweeten.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bajra Bhakri with Spicy Garlic Chutney
This recipe combines the nutty goodness of bajra (pearl millet) flatbread, Bajra Bhakri, with a spicy and aromatic chutney made with garlic. Perfect for a quick snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
For Bajra Bhakri:
– 1 cup pearl millet flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
For Spicy Garlic Chutney:
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon green chili peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. To make Bajra Bhakri, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add ghee or oil and knead into a dough.
2. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired thickness. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the bhakri for 1 minute on each side, until golden brown.
4. To make Spicy Garlic Chutney, combine garlic, onion, green chili peppers, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Bajra Ladoo with Sesame and Jaggery
Bajra ladoos are a popular Gujarati sweet treat made with pearl millet flour, sesame seeds, and jaggery. These bite-sized energy balls are perfect for snacking on the go or as a healthy dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl millet flour (bajra)
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup jaggery powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together bajra flour, sesame seeds, and jaggery powder.
2. Add the cardamom powder, ghee, and salt to the mixture and knead until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a ball (ladoo).
4. Store the ladoos in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Bajra Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Savor the flavors of India with this unique fusion dish that combines baajra (pearl millet) pasta with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pearl millet pasta
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pearl millet pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and mushroom sauce; toss to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bajra Sheera with Cardamom and Saffron
This traditional Indian sweet dish is made with bajra (pearl millet), a nutty and slightly sweet grain, cooked in a rich saffron-infused syrup flavored with cardamom. Bajra Sheera is a popular dessert in many Indian households, especially during special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup ghee or unsalted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 cup sugar
– Chopped nuts or dried fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the bajra and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and grind the bajra into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
3. Heat the ghee or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add the ground cardamom, saffron mixture, and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
5. Add the bajra paste to the saucepan and stir well.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sheera thickens slightly.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruit, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bajra Dhokla with Green Chutney
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of pearl millet (bajra) with the tanginess of green chutney, making it a perfect snack for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pearl millet flour
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 cup water
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
– Green chutney (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, yogurt, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add lemon juice and mix well.
3. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
4. Pour the batter into a greased plate or idli mold.
5. Steam for 15-20 minutes, or until dhokla is cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Green Chutney:
– 1 cup coriander leaves
– 1/2 cup mint leaves
– 1 green chili pepper
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bajra Pizza Base with Toppings of Choice
Experience the unique flavor of bajra (pearl millet) in a pizza base, topped with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine bajra flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add lukewarm water to form a smooth dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape, depending on your preference.
6. Place the pizza base on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Add your favorite toppings: vegetables, cheese, meats, or a combination.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Toppings of Choice: Choose from:
Vegetables: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes
Cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, feta
Meats: chicken, beef, pork, sausages
Bajra Cookies with Cinnamon and Raisins
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of bajra (millet) flour with the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of raisins, creating a delicious cookie perfect for snacking or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together bajra flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar.
3. Add softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in chopped raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bajra Paratha with Spiced Potato Filling
Experience the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine with this simple and delicious recipe for Bajra Paratha with Spiced Potato Filling. The nutty flavor of bajra (millet) paired with the spiciness of potatoes makes for a perfect combination.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
– 1 cup bajra flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
For the filling:
– 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon amchur powder (dried mango powder)
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
Instructions:
1. Mix the dough ingredients and knead for 5 minutes.
2. Divide into 6-8 portions and roll out each portion into a thin circle.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the paratha for 30 seconds on each side, until slightly puffed.
4. For the filling, mix all ingredients together.
5. Place a tablespoon of the potato mixture in the center of each paratha and fold to form a triangle or a square shape.
6. Cook the stuffed parathas over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bajra Upma with Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves
Bajra upma is a popular breakfast dish from South India, made with pearl millet flour, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. This recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic upma, adding a boost of protein and fiber to start your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra (pearl millet) flour
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 10-12 curry leaves
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the mustard seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the curry leaves and sauté until they become crispy and fragrant.
4. Gradually add the bajra flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bajra Pancakes with Honey and Banana
Start your day off right with these fluffy and flavorful bajra pancakes, sweetened with honey and topped with sliced banana. Made with nutritious millets like bajra (pearl millet), these pancakes are a great way to get your daily dose of fiber and protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bajra flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– Butter or ghee for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together bajra flour, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Grease with butter or ghee.
3. Pour in 1/4 cup of batter and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
4. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute.
5. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey and sliced banana on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bajra Cheela with Grated Paneer
A classic Punjabi dish, Bajra Cheela is a crispy flatbread made from pearl millet flour, served with a creamy accompaniment of grated paneer. This recipe brings together the two in a delicious and satisfying combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pearl millet flour (bajra)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup grated paneer
– Ghee or oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the bajra flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add in the water to form a smooth dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the cheela for 30 seconds on each side, until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, melt some ghee or oil in a pan and add the grated paneer. Stir gently to combine.
8. Serve the Bajra Cheela with the creamy Paneer accompaniment.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the nutritional benefits of bajra flour with these 17 delicious and healthy recipes. From traditional Indian dishes like roti, khichdi, and thepla to innovative creations like pasta, pizza base, and cookies, there’s something for everyone. Try Bajra Roti with Ghee and Jaggery or Bajra Khichdi with Mixed Vegetables for a nutritious meal. Or get creative with Bajra Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce or Bajra Pizza Base with Toppings of Choice. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, these recipes showcase the versatility and health benefits of bajra flour.
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