Pearl Millet Porridge (Raabdi)

Pearl millet is the most widely grown millet. It has been grown in Africa and the Indian Subcontinent since prehistoric times.

Commonly known as Bajra in India, this millet is a staple in Gujrat and Rajasthan. The seeds are either cooked as a cereal grain or finely ground and used as a flour.

Pearl Millet (Bajra)

Cooked millet is a good source of protein and carbs and also fiber. It also provides vitamins and minerals, thus has a great nutritional profile.

A very simple and popular recipe made from pearl millet in Rajasthan is called Raabdi, which has cooling properties in the harsh summer and because of the fermentation process it acts as a probiotic.

It is a Summer dish that is made in most of the households of Rajasthan.  Made with buttermilk and bajra flour, it is very easy to make and  is a meal in itself.

To make it, you will need Bajra Flour. It is easily available in any Indian superstore or even online.

You will also need curd to help the fermentation. 

You can add finely chopped onion, salt, roasted cumin powder, coriander etc. to add flavor. 

Here's how to make Raabdi:

Mix the pearl millet flour with the curd(preferably little sour), taking care that no lumps are formed. 

Use your hands to make a smooth mixture. 

Add water and give it a stir. Now cover and leave this to ferment in the sun. After 5 to 6 hours bring it in, add little salt and cook it stirring well. The mix thickens after cooking. Cover this and leave it till next morning(do not refrigerate) 

Now your porridge is ready. To serve, take  some porridge in a bowl and add curds or buttermilk according to the consistency you want. Flavour it with chopped onion, jeera powder also coriander if you like.

You need:

4 Tbsps. pearl millet flour 

1 Cup sour curds 

3 Cup water

Salt to taste

Chopped onions 

1 Tsp cumin powder 

We keep feeling dehydrated  during Summer. It is so hot outside some days that it soaks up all our energy and leaves us energy less and dehydrated.

Sometimes, even water doesn’t work when we want the much needed hydration. And that’s when traditional preparations such as Raabdi comes to the rescue.