An article on the National Library of Medicine website mentions that pearl millet or bajra takes a longer time to travel from stomach to intestines, and thus curbs hunger for a long time, and therefore bajra with its high fiber content and ability to control appetite would help with weight loss. Since then there’s a frenzy to find out easy bajra recipes for weight loss which can be packed offf to the school or office.
Bajra is a gluten-free grain, used across India since ancient times. Since 2023 (which was celebrated as the International Year of Millets), bajra along with other ancient grains like ragi, jowar, etc., have made a strong comeback on Indian plates after India initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the health benefits of millets.
3 Reasons How Bajra Helps You Lose Weight:
1. High Fiber Content: Fiber takes a long time to get digested, keeps you full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake at the end of the day.
2. Rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, etc., which boost metabolism.
3. Bajra, also known as pearl millet, contains many phytonutrients and antioxidants that boost weight loss by reducing inflammation and promoting metabolic health.
Now that we have realized the amazing benefits of bajra, let’s see 3 easy bajra recipes for weight loss.
3 Super Easy Bajra Recipes For Weight Loss:
Eating dishes from bajra would not even feel like dieting – it’s delicious, easy to make, and help you lose weight.
Also Read: 5 Natural Ways To Lose 5 Kgs in 2 Months
1. Bajra Methi Paratha:
Bajra Methi Paratha is a nutritious recipe that combines the goodness of bajra (pearl millet) and fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves. To prepare, mix 1 cup of bajra flour with 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour in a bowl. Add a handful of finely chopped fresh methi leaves, 1 chopped green chili, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and salt to taste. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) while kneading.
Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into flat parathas. Heat a non-stick pan and cook each paratha on medium heat, lightly brushing it with ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with green chutney for a wholesome, low-calorie meal rich in fiber, iron, and essential nutrients, perfect for weight management.
2: Bajra Idli:
Bajra Idli is a healthy and weight-loss-friendly twist. To make it, soak 1 cup of bajra (pearl millet) and 1/2 cup of urad dal (split black gram) separately for about 4-6 hours. Drain the water and grind the bajra into a coarse paste and the urad dal into a smooth batter. Mix both batters together, adding salt to taste, and let it ferment overnight or for 8-10 hours in a warm place. Once fermented, stir the batter gently and pour it the idli maker. Steam the idlis for 12-15 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through. Serve hot with coconut chutney or a tangy tomato chutney.
3. Mooli Bajra Roti (Radish Pearl Millet Roti)
This recipe recommends adding bajra (pearl millet) and the digestive properties of mooli (radish). To prepare, grate 1 medium-sized radish and squeeze out the excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of bajra flour, the grated radish, 1 chopped green chili, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1/4 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds), and salt to taste. Add fresh coriander leaves for extra flavor.
Mix the ingredients well and gradually add the radish water to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into small portions and gently pat each portion into a flat, thin roti using your hands (since bajra dough is typically harder to roll with a rolling pin). Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet, and cook the roti on medium heat until both sides are golden brown, using minimal oil or ghee. This wholesome roti is rich in fiber, aids digestion, and helps keep you full for longer, making it an excellent choice for weight management.
