A wholesome, protein-rich, gluten-free one-pot dish made with Kodo millet and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
🔹 Ingredients
For Cooking Millet:
- 1 cup Kodo millet
- 2 ½ cups water
- Salt, to taste
For the Biryani:
- 200 g paneer, cubed
- 1 cup onions, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ½ cup curd (yogurt)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 green chilies, slit
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp biryani masala or garam masala
- 1 tbsp mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
- 1–2 tbsp ghee or oil
Whole spices:
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
🔹 Instructions
1. Cook the Kodo Millet
- Wash millet well and soak it for 15–20 minutes.
- Boil 2.5 cups water with a little salt, add drained millet, and cook covered until soft but not mushy. Fluff and set aside.
2. Sauté the Paneer
- In a pan, lightly fry the paneer cubes in ghee/oil until golden. Set aside.
3. Make the Masala Base
- In the same pan, add whole spices and let them crackle.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, sauté until raw smell goes.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and biryani masala.
- Cook until tomatoes turn mushy.
- Add curd and mix well. Cook until oil starts to separate.
4. Combine Everything
- Add sautéed paneer, mint, and coriander leaves.
- Add the cooked Kodo millet and mix gently so the grains remain separate.
- Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat to let flavors meld.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot with raita or cucumber salad.
 5 Health Benefits of Kodo Millet Paneer Biryani
- Rich in Protein and Calcium:
- Paneer is a great source of protein and calcium, essential for muscles and bones.
- Low Glycemic Index:
- Kodo millet helps regulate blood sugar—ideal for diabetics.
- Gluten-Free & Easy to Digest:
- Good for those with gluten intolerance or sensitive digestion.
- High in Fiber:
- Improves satiety, aids in digestion, and helps with weight management.
- Heart and Bone Health:
- Millets are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants that promote heart and bone strength.
