Happy Navratri to all my readers. Navratri is an auspicious nine days festival of goddess Durga which is celebrated on a large scale in India. As we worship our Goddess Shakti, we fast with a diet which is full of superfoods bestowed upon us by Mother Nature.
Samak rice, kuttu, singhara, amaranth, makhana etc. are all highly nutritious and capable of detoxifying our body perfectly and giving us renewed energy.
Samak rice is an ancient superfood which comes from the family of millets and are called as Barnyard millet in English. They are widely cultivated in countries like Korea and Japan, but biggest producer among them is India. Their flavour and texture are similar to that of broken rice. Unlike normal rice which separates after being cooked samak rice stick with each other instead of separating. If you follow my tip of roasting it, it will not stick.
Samak chawal is light and easy to prepare and can also be had on daily basis. In non-festive seasons one can add their favourite vegetables along with cottage cheese to get an awesome veg biryani.
If you also want to enjoy this super food which is light as well as healthy and filling read the article till the end and you will definitely know how quickly it can be prepared. Samak chawal are loaded with nutrition and have numerous benefits.
Benefits of Samak Rice
Keeps cholesterol under control
Sama rice are high in resistant starch which works like a fibre helping to heal the inflammation in the body. It keeps the gut bacteria healthy which aids to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
Maintains the sugar levels in the blood
Compared to other millets barnyard millet have more carbohydrates which helps to regulate the sugar levels. They also have more fibre in comparison with other millets.
Rich in protein
Barnyard millet contains greater protein than other millets which aids in building healthy and strong muscles. It aids in repairing damaged cells.
Aids in preventing anaemia
There are many people in the world who are suffering from anaemia because of insufficient iron intake. Sama rice is rich in iron and aids to boost the iron content to some extent.
Aids in absorbing minerals
Compared to other grains Sama rice aids in absorbing minerals like calcium and magnesium much faster which affects the overall body health.
Gluten free
There are many people around the world who can’t have gluten food. Samak rice are low in calories and are free of gluten. Their taste is similar to normal cereals. This is a good option for people who are on gluten free diet.
Ingredients (serve- 4 pax)
1 cup roasted samak rice
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped potatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped palak (I had blanched and chopped, so using it)
1.5 tsp sendha namak
1/4th tsp turmeric powder
1/4th tsp red chilli powder
For tadka tempering
1.5 tsp jeera
2 whole red chilli
4 whole cloves
A piece of cinnamon
2 tsp whole black pepper
4 tbsp oil/ ghee
Method
Let's begin with a million-dollar tip. We will begin by dry roasting the entire 500 grams of samak rice and then using it in different recipes as and when required. You can see the beautiful difference that roasting for just 3 minutes makes.
Take a heavy bottomed pan and put the entire amount of rice you have. Keep stirring and roasting for 3-4 minutes on medium high heat.
The rice will start fluffing slightly and becoming whiter. Don't let it burn or become brown. Put off the gas.
Gently wash the roasted samak and soak it in 2 cups of water.
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan and add the whole masalas. Stir fry for 30seconds.
Add the potatoes and carrots and stir fry for 30 seconds.
Add the samak with the measured 2 cups of water, salt, turmeric, Red chili powder and spinach.
Stir well and let it come to boil.
Once it comes to boil cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes., stirring once in between.
After 10 minutes open the lid and put off the gas.
The rice should be cooked and dry. Gently stir and fluff it up. Serve hot.
Video
Photo wise steps
Take a heavy bottomed pan.
Put the entire amount of rice you have.
Keep stirring and roasting for 3-4 minutes on medium high heat.
The rice will start fluffing slightly and becoming whiter. Don't let it burn or become brown. Put off the gas.
You can see the beautiful difference that roasting for just 3 minutes makes.
Gently wash the roasted samak and soak it in 2 cups of water.
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
Add the whole masalas.
Stir fry for 30seconds.
Add the potatoes and carrots.
Stir fry for 30seconds.
Add the samak with the measured 2 cups of water.
Add salt, turmeric, Red chili powder.
Add spinach.
Stir well and let it come to boil.
Once it comes to boil cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once in between.
After 10 minutes open the lid and put off the gas.
The rice should be cooked and dry. Gently stir and fluff it up.
Serve hot.
That’s all folks and it is ready to relish and enjoy.
Conclusion
Samak rice is called Barnyard millet in English. They are widely grown in countries like Korea, Japan and India. India is its largest cultivator.
Samak rice is an easy and quick recipe to prepare. In India during festival of Navratri they are prepared in every home. They are light and filling with low calories.
Samak rice can be included in daily diet and by adding cottage cheese and vegetable of your choice would make it even tastier.
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