When it comes to snacking, it's essential to choose healthy options that are not only delicious but also nutritious. One such option is snacks made with millets, a group of small-seeded grasses that are gluten-free and rich in fiber, protein, and minerals. In this article, we'll share some easy and healthy snack recipes using millets that you can enjoy anytime.
Millets: A Nutritious Ingredient for Snacks
Millet is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of snack recipes, including granola bars, crackers, and cookies. Millets are an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are also low in glycemic index, which means they help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you full for longer. In India, millet is a staple food and has been consumed for centuries. Its nutty flavour and high nutritional value make it an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your snacking routine. In this article, we will explore how to incorporate millet into various snack recipes and the benefits of doing so. But Before that…
Looking for millet based healthy & tasty snacks? Try a wide range of Keeros Super Snacks today:
Lightly Salted Multigrain- a delightfully healthy combination of pearl millets & 5 other super grains.
Lightly Spiced Quinoa Grain- a delightfully healthy combination of the mother of grains quinoa, millets & 3 other super grains
Tangy & Crispy Multigrain Minty Lime- a delightfully healthy combination of pearl millets & 5 other super grains.
Tangy & Crunchy Quinoa Millets- a mix of roasted quinoa puffs & pearl millets.
Slightly Sweet & Crunchy Indo Trail Mix Roasted Supersnacks- a mix of dried superfruits, pearl millets, roasted super seeds & nuts
Millet Granola Bars
Granola bars are a popular snack and can be easily made at home using millet. This recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars, which often contain high levels of sugar and artificial ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup millet
1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (e.g. almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g. cranberries, raisins, etc.)
1/2 cup nut butter (e.g. peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Spread the oats and millet on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
In a large bowl, mix together the toasted oats and millet, mixed nuts and seeds, and dried fruit.
In a small saucepan, heat the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat, stirring until well combined.
Pour the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Press the mixture into an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the granola bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
Store the granola bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
Millet Crackers
Millet crackers are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional crackers, and they're very easy to make. This recipe is a great snack to have on hand for lunch or as a tasty addition to your cheese plate.
Ingredients:
1 cup millet flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried herbs of your choice (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4-5 tablespoons water
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the millet flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs (if using).
Stir in the olive oil and water, adding more water as needed, until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
Cut the dough into squares or any desired shape using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.
Place the crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the crackers cool on a wire rack.
Store the crackers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Millet Cookies
Millet cookies are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional cookies. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet snack that won't sabotage their diet.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup millet flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, millet flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Millet-Puffed Snacks
Millet-puffed snacks are a great alternative to traditional puffed snacks, which often contain unhealthy additives. This recipe is easy to make and can be flavoured to your liking. But If you're looking for a pre-made option, you may want to try Keeros Quinoa Millets which is made with a combination of millets and quinoa puffs. They're a great alternative to traditional puffed snacks and are a healthier option for those looking to avoid unhealthy additives.
Ingredients:
1 cup millet
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil
Any desired spices or seasonings (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the millet and drain well.
Place the millet in a large saucepan with 3 cups of water.
Add the salt, sugar, and olive oil.
Stir in any desired spices or seasonings (if using).
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Transfer the millet to a large bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the cooled millet evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the millet is puffed and golden brown.
Let the millet puffs cool on the baking sheet.
Store the millet puffs in an airtight container for up to a week.
FAQs
Q. Are millets gluten-free?
A. Yes, millets are gluten-free and suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Q. Where can I buy millet flour?
A. Millet flour is available in most health food stores or online.
Q. Can I substitute millet flour with other gluten-free flours?
A.Yes, you can substitute millet flour with other gluten-free flours such as rice flour, quinoa flour, or almond flour.
Q. Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey or maple syrup?
A. Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as agave nectar, coconut sugar, or stevia.
Q. Can I add other ingredients to these recipes?
A. Yes, you can customize these recipes by adding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices to suit your taste.
By incorporating millet into these snack recipes, you can enjoy a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional snack options. These recipes are easy to make and can be customised to your liking. So, go ahead and give them a try! In addition to incorporating millet into your own snack recipes, there is also the option of trying ready-to-eat millet-based snacks. If you're looking for healthy and tasty millet snacks, you can check out Keeros Supersnacks. These snacks are made with nutritious ingredients, including millets, and are a great alternative to traditional snack options.
Author- Simran Sahni