As temperatures rise, our bodies crave cooling, hydrating, and nourishing foods to beat the summer heat.
While many turn to fruits and salads, an often-overlooked category of cooling foods is millet. These ancient grains are not just rich in fiber and essential nutrients but also help regulate body temperature, making them ideal for the sweltering Indian summer.
Millets are naturally alkaline, light on digestion, and packed with hydration-friendly fiber, making them excellent choices to keep your body cool. Unlike heavily processed grains, millets release energy slowly, preventing heat buildup and keeping you energized throughout the day.
Some of the best millets for summer include Sorghum (Jowar), Foxtail Millet, Kodo Millet, and Barnyard Millet.
Jowar (Sorghum) Rava – A Cooling and Nutritious Choice
Jowar is a naturally cooling millet, gluten-free, and packed with antioxidants. It aids digestion, hydrates the body, and keeps the stomach light, making it a perfect summer staple.
Simple Jowar Recipe Ideas:
- Jowar Upma – A light and nutritious dish made with Jowar Rava, vegetables, and mild spices.
- Jowar Roti – A gluten-free alternative to wheat rotis, best served with yogurt-based curries.
Ragi (Finger Millet) Rava & Sprouted Ragi Flour – A Summer Powerhouse
Though Ragi is generally considered a warming grain, it can be transformed into a summer-friendly superfood when prepared correctly. Ragi malt, a traditional Indian beverage, is an excellent hydrating and nourishing drink for the hot months.
Simple Ragi Recipe Ideas:
- Chilled Ragi Malt – A refreshing and energizing drink made with Sprouted Ragi Flour, milk, jaggery, and cardamom.
- Ragi Idli/Dosa – Soft, healthy idlis or crispy dosas made using Ragi flour, ideal for a light breakfast.
Foxtail Millet – Light and Hydrating
Foxtail millet is rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, making it an excellent grain for digestion and sustained hydration. It is easy on the stomach and helps prevent dehydration during the hot months.
Simple Foxtail Millet Recipe Ideas:
- Soaked Foxtail Millet Salad with Yogurt - A refreshing summer salad made with soaked and cooked Foxtail Millet, cucumber, tomatoes and fresh yogurt.
- Foxtail Millet Pongal - A comforting dish prepared with soaked and fermented Foxtail Millet, moong dal and mild spices. Serve with ghee and a side of chutney or curd.
Kodo Millet – A Detoxifying Choice
Kodo millet is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, which help the body stay hydrated while flushing out toxins. It has a mild taste and adapts well to a variety of light summer dishes.
Simple Kodo Millet Recipe Ideas:
- Kodo Millet Curd Rice – A cooling and probiotic-rich dish mixed with yogurt, mustard seeds, and green chili.
- Kodo Millet Chilla – A healthy and tasty chilla made with soaked and ground Kodo Millet batter, mixed with spices and vegetables. Perfect for breakfast or evening snack.
Barnyard Millet – Low-Calorie Cooling Superfood
Barnyard millet is a fantastic choice for those looking to stay cool while keeping their meals light. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, and pairs well with simple summer-friendly ingredients.
Simple Barnyard Millet Recipe Ideas:
- Barnyard Millet Lemon Rice – A light and tangy rice dish made with soaked and cooked Barnyard Millet, flavoured with lemon, mild spices and curry leaves — perfect for warm weather.
- Barnyard Millet Kheer - A traditional millet-based dessert made with Barnyard Millet, milk, and jaggery. Lightly sweet and best served chilled as a refreshing cold dessert.
Conclusion:
Including summer-friendly millets like Sorghum (Jowar), Foxtail Millet, Kodo Millet, and Barnyard Millet in your daily meals is a natural way to stay cool and healthy during hot days. These millets are light, nutritious, and help regulate body temperature. You can enjoy them in various forms like porridge, khichdi, or soft rotis.
For a refreshing summer drink, try Chilled Ragi Malt made with Sprouted Ragi Flour, buttermilk or milk, jaggery and a touch of cardamom. It’s a perfect summer cooler that keeps you energized and refreshed.
To make it even easier, Haritha Foods offers a Sprouted Ragi Malt mix. Just add buttermilk or milk, and in no time, you can enjoy this nutritious and cooling drink without the hassle.
At Haritha Foods, we offer a range of millet-based staples and ready-to-cook mixes, including Sprouted Ragi Flour, to help you add these nutritious superfoods easily to your daily diet. Stay healthy and beat the summer heat naturally with Haritha Foods!
Looking for more ways to incorporate millets into your diet? Dive into our 5 Delicious Millet-Based Recipes for a Healthy, Gluten-Free Diet for a variety of mouthwatering ideas. And if you're curious about the environmental benefits of millets, don’t miss our blog on Why Switching to Millets Can Save the Planet, it’s an eye-opening read on how these ancient grains can make a big difference, not just for you, but for the world.