Barnyard Millet Ganji is quick, easy, healthy and wholesome porridge recipe. Adding Barnyard Millet, to Ganji is nutritious twist to regular iftar ganji | kanji recipe. Ganji with millet is comforting, filling, vegan, plant-based and gluten-free.
What is Ganji?
Ganji or Kanji or Nombu Kanji (in Tamil) is light, gentle on tummy and easy to make savory porridge recipe. People often prepare this porridge during Iftar in Ramadan.
Fine semolina and mutton mince are the two main ingredients in making Ramadan Special Iftar Ganji. Whereas in Kerala, people calll Ganji as Jeerakanji. Raw rice, shallots and cumin are the main ingredients in making this ganji.
In Tamil Nadu, Ganji is called Nombu Kanji and rice, coconut milk and moong dal are the main ingredients of this kanji.
In Karnataka, people make ganji aka Akki Ganji with rice and fresh coconut milk with tempering of mustard, cumin and ghee.
Why Millet Ganji?
Ganji is my family favorite iftar and light meal recipe on busy days. Each time I prepare Ganji, I aim to introduce a new twist. For instance, incorporating a colorful array of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, beans or stock. This not only adds crunch but also increases visual appeal and nutritional value. This way, it’s not just a dish – it’s a canvas of flavors and textures. You can easily customise to current cravings or the contents of our pantry.
On days when we lean towards a more protein-rich meal, I add chicken mince or mutton mince or stock. This addition transforms the Ganji into a substantially more filling meal, making it perfect for those times when a simple dish become the star of the dinner. The meat is carefully spiced and cooked until just tender, mingling with the wholesome grains to create a flavor profile that is comforting yet exciting.
It’s always heartwarming to see the family gathering around the table, enjoying a bowl of homemade Ganji that’s been tailored to everyone’s liking. Whether it’s a straightforward preparation or one laden with an assortment of add-ons, Ganji symbolizes simplicity, nourishment, and the joy of family traditions.
Best Millet Recipes
Barnyard Millet Onion Uttapam – Savor the goodness of our Barnyard Millet Onion Uttapam – a delightful twist to a classic favorite!
Kuthiraivali Sambar Sadam – Indulge in the rich flavors of Kuthiraivali Sambar Sadam – a delicious blend of barnyard millet and aromatic spices!
Millet Kichidi – Experience comfort on a plate with our Millet Kichidi – a wholesome, flavorful twist to a classic favorite!
Savoury Barnyard Millet Porridge – Savor simplicity with our Savory Barnyard Millet Porridge – a delicious and nutritious delight in every spoonful!
Millet Daleem – Discover a taste of tradition with our Millet Daleem – a hearty blend of millet goodness and rich flavors in every bite!
Ragi Podi Idli – Elevate your breakfast game with our Ragi Podi Idli – a nutritious twist to a South Indian favorite!
Kodo Millet Curd Rice – Experience comfort in a bowl with our Kodo Millet Curd Rice – a perfect blend of simplicity and wholesome goodness!
Barnyard Millet Ganji
Ganji, a simple yet nourishing porridge, has been a staple in various cultures for its healing properties and easy digestibility. It’s versatility to suit different tastes and dietary needs make a popular choice during Ramadan. Apart from this, Ganji serves as a comforting meal for new mothers, convalescents, or anyone seeking a light and soothing food option.
Each Ganji recipe offers its unique blend of comfort and nutrition. Making it easy to understand why this dish is favored in times when the body seeks gentle nourishment. Whether you’re fasting, recuperating, or simply in the mood for something light, Ganji provides a perfect meal that’s both satisfying and easy on the stomach.
There are many varieties and variations in making Ganji. Apart from making it during Ramadan, Ganji is also prepared for new moms and for the ones who are healing from injuries or when mood calls for light and gentle food. Here are few different ganji recipes to try,
Different Types of Ganji
Oats Ganji: Oats Ganji is a nutritious and wholesome porridge with cooking oats, water or stock and spices. This healthy alternative is rich in fiber. You can even flavor oats ganji with vegetables to enhance its taste. Relish this as a breakfast or light meal or as a snack.
Rava Ganji: Rava Ganji is a traditional South Indian dish. Fine semolina (rava) and water along with few spices and herbs are the main ingredients in making this. Popular for its ease of preparation and is often served during times of illness or as comfort food.
Jeera Kanji: Delicious and nutritious cumin porridge made using broken or jeera rice. Flavor this with spices and vegetables. This is Ramadan special recipe.
Rice Kanji: Traditional dish made by boiling rice with water until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. It is a comfort food that is easy to digest, making it suitable for consumption during recovery from illnesses. You can even season Rice Kanji with mild spices and serve with a side of yogurt or buttermilk for a wholesome and nourishing meal.
Benefits of Ganji
I make ganji not only during Ramadan but also as snack or light meal on days lazy or busy days when I crave for comforting meal. Hence, I keep looking out for variations in making Ganji. After creating Millet Daleem, which instantly impressed my family and readers, I decided to experiment with millet for ganji. This has also become a big hit and is now a regular in our house. Do give this a try!
Millet Ganji is,
- Wholesome
- Light
- Gentle on tummy
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
- Plant Based
Barnyard Millet Ganji
Barnyard Millet Ganji is quick, easy, healthy and wholesome porridge recipe. Adding Barnyard Millet, to Ganji is nutritious twist to regular ganji | kanji recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Millet, I used Barnyard Millet, {soaked in water for 3-4 hours)
- 6 cups Water | Vegetable stock
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- 2 Green chilies, roughly chopped
- ½ tbsp. Ginger-Garlic paste
- ¼ tbsp. Garam Masala
- Salt
- 1 ½ tbsp. Oil | Ghee
- 15 fresh Mint Leaves
- 10-12 sprigs fresh Coriander leaves, roughly chopped
FOR TOPPING:
- Roasted Chivda | Fresh Kara Boondi
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
How to make Barnyard Millet Ganji
- Add oil to a heavy bottom saucepan and fry sliced onions till translucent.
- Now add chopped tomatoes and chopped green chilies. Fry till tomatoes turn mushy.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and fry till raw smell wafts.
- Now add mint leaves and coriander leaves. Fry till leaves starts to wilt.
- Add 6 cups of water or stock and continue to boil. Boil until the consistency is reduced to 2/3rd.
- Add in salt and garam masala. When the water starts to boil, add in soaked millet. Stir well and cook on low flame for 10 minutes.
- Stir and turn off the flame. Serve warm.
- Add love to make this Millet Ganji taste ‘Yummy’.
Notes
Tips To Make Best Millet Ganji
Wash and soak the millet for 5-6 hours before cooking. Soaking millet helps quicker and softer cooking.
Vegetable stock or broth will increase the nutrition level and taste in the ganji recipe.
I used Barnyard millet in making this ganji, you can use any millet available in making this ganji.
You can add powder or whole garam masala spices (cardamom, cinnamon and clove) to make ganji recipe.
Lubna’s Serving Suggestions:
Generally, ganji is served by topping it with kara boondi. But as I am making a healthy version of ganji, I added homemade roasted chivda.
Serve millet ganji by topping with chivda and lemon wedges.
You can serve ganji in Iftar along with dates and juice.
A Quick Iftar Platter Menu:
Dates + Fruit Bowl + Millet Ganji + Sharbat -e- Rooh Afza or Lemonade.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 201Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 374mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 4g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Shinta Simon says
This is so comforting and nourishing! I have to try it out soon. Thanks for sharing
Danielle Wolter says
This came out so delicious! I love flavor packed dishes like this. Thanks!
Allyssa says
Thanks a lot for sharing this very helpful recipe! loved it!
Julia says
I like this healthy version. It is looking very flavourful!
Kate says
I was lucky enough to find some millet from my local oriental supermarket. This millet ganji was so flavorful, looking forward to making it again.