The Millet Makeover: Barnyard Biryani That’s Good for You

Barnyard Biryani is flexible—you can make it vegetarian or add lean meat like chicken or mutton. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Here's a quick and simple guide:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barnyard millet (soak for 20–30 minutes)
• 1 cup chopped vegetables or cooked chicken/mutton
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Whole spices (like bay leaf, cardamom, cloves)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Biryani masala (spice mix)
• Fresh mint and coriander leaves
• Salt and oil or ghee

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pot or pressure cooker. Add the whole spices and sliced onions. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomato. Stir well.
3. Add the vegetables or meat and cook for a few minutes.
4. Mix in the biryani masala, then add the soaked barnyard millet.
5. Pour in water (1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of millet), add salt, and cook until everything is soft and well-blended.
6. Garnish with chopped mint and coriander. Serve hot with raita or a fresh salad.

A Delicious Blend of Tradition and Health

Barnyard Biryani is more than just a tasty meal—it’s part of a bigger movement to bring millets back into our everyday diets. Millets like barnyard were once common in Indian homes, but they’ve been replaced by refined grains over time. This dish honors our food traditions while fitting perfectly into modern, health-conscious lifestyles.