oxtail Millet is a super grain that’s not only loaded with health benefits but is also incredibly versatile in Indian cooking. With the rising awareness of healthy eating, this ancient millet is finding its way back into our kitchens in the form of dosas, upma, pongal, and even sweets!
In this blog, we’ll explore some delicious Indian recipes made with foxtail millet and also touch upon its botanical name, common names, and why it’s a smart choice for your daily diet.
🔬 What is Foxtail Millet?
Botanical Name: Setaria italica
Common English Name: Foxtail Millet
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
🗣️ Common Regional Names:
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Telugu | Korra Biyam |
| Tamil | Thinai |
| Kannada | Navane |
| Malayalam | Thina |
| Hindi | Kangni / Kakun |
| Marathi | Rala |
| Gujarati | Kang |
| Bengali | Kaon |
Foxtail millet is one of the earliest domesticated millets and has been a staple in many South Indian households for centuries.
🍽️ Popular Foxtail Millet Recipes in Indian Cuisine
1. Foxtail Millet Upma (Korra Biyam Upma)
A healthy twist on traditional semolina upma, this recipe is perfect for breakfast or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
1 cup foxtail millet
1 onion (chopped)
1 green chili (chopped)
Mustard seeds, curry leaves, urad dal
Carrots, peas, or beans (optional)
Salt, turmeric, and water
How to Prepare:
Dry roast millet and set aside.
In a pan, heat oil and temper mustard, urad dal, curry leaves, onion, and chilies.
Add vegetables and sauté.
Add 2.5 cups water and bring to a boil.
Add millet and cook until soft and fluffy.
2. Foxtail Millet Pongal
A comforting dish made with yellow moong dal and millet — great for digestion and very filling.
Ingredients:
1 cup foxtail millet
½ cup yellow moong dal
Black pepper, cumin seeds, ginger, and curry leaves
Ghee and cashews
Method:
Dry roast millet and dal, then pressure cook with 3.5 cups of water.
Temper cumin, pepper, ginger, and cashews in ghee.
Mix with cooked pongal and serve hot with coconut chutney.
3. Foxtail Millet Dosa
A fermented and crisp dosa made with millet — gluten-free and ideal for diabetics.
Ingredients:
1 cup foxtail millet
¼ cup urad dal
1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
Steps:
Soak all ingredients for 4–5 hours.
Grind to smooth batter and ferment overnight.
Make dosas on a hot pan and serve with chutney or sambar.
4. Foxtail Millet Khichdi
An easy one-pot meal loaded with vegetables and mild spices — perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
1 cup millet
½ cup moong dal
Mixed vegetables
Ghee, cumin, ginger, green chili
Preparation:
Sauté veggies and spices in ghee.
Add millet, dal, and 3–4 cups of water.
Pressure cook and serve with curd or pickle.
5. Foxtail Millet Payasam (Kheer)
Yes, you can even make dessert with millet! This sweet dish is healthy and rich in flavor.
Ingredients:
½ cup foxtail millet
3 cups milk
Jaggery, cardamom, ghee
Cashews and raisins
Method:
Cook millet in water until soft.
Add milk and simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix in jaggery and cardamom.
Fry cashews and raisins in ghee and garnish.
🌿 Why Include Foxtail Millet in Your Meals?
Rich in fiber – Aids digestion and weight loss
Low glycemic index – Great for diabetes management
Gluten-free – Perfect for people with gluten sensitivity
Protein-rich – Keeps you full and energized
Mineral-loaded – Contains iron, calcium, and magnesium
🛒 Where to Buy Foxtail Millet Online?
You can buy premium quality unpolished Foxtail Millet from:
MeenakshiRecipe.com – Your trusted source for natural and traditional millets
Amazon
BigBasket
Organic India
Local organic stores
💰 Price Range: ₹80 – ₹140 per kg (may vary with quality and brand)
💡 Pro Tips for Cooking Foxtail Millet
Soak before cooking: Soaking helps reduce anti-nutrients and improves digestibility.
Use double to triple the water depending on recipe consistency.
Store in an airtight container to avoid spoilage due to moisture.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Foxtail Millet isn’t just a healthy grain; it’s a delicious, heritage-rich ingredient that belongs in every Indian kitchen. Whether you’re looking to manage weight, balance your sugar levels, or just try something new, these easy millet recipes offer both taste and nutrition.
👉 Explore more millet recipes and buy fresh millets online at MeenakshiRecipe.com — your one-stop shop for traditional foods!