If you think cooking with millets is hard, you might not have tried dishes like Moradabadi Dal with Ragi Mathri, Bajra Mooli Parathas, or Barnyard Millet sushi made by Chef Vikas Chawla. Chef Vikas shows just how versatile this ancient grain can be, using it in creative ways to make delicious meals that highlight its health benefits. Read on to learn more about his ideas!
In 2023, the United Nations declared it the 'Year of Millets' to promote this nutritious grain worldwide. To celebrate, Chef Vikas opened Jhumroo, the first millet-focused restaurant in Chandigarh. The restaurant offers a menu full of millet dishes, blending traditional recipes with modern cooking techniques.
With over 15 years in the culinary field, Chef Vikas has found innovative ways to include this traditional grain in today’s meals. He switched to millets nearly twenty years ago because he recognized their health benefits and sustainability. He believes that bajra, jowar, and ragi are essential to India’s food culture, as they are nutritious and help maintain biodiversity.
Chef Vikas points out that millets are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great choice for health-conscious eaters. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for many different diets. The Yajurveda even mentions foxtail and barnyard millet, showing that these grains have been part of Indian cuisine since before the Bronze Age (around 4500 BC).
At Jhumroo, diners can enjoy a variety of millet-based dishes that showcase both traditional and modern flavors. From comforting curries to creative sushi rolls, Chef Vikas is on a mission to change how people think about millets and inspire them to add these grains to their diets.
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