A Creamy, Nourishing Dessert for Your Millet Journey
If you think millets are only for rotis and khichdi, this recipe will change your mind 💛
As part of my “Millet Magic – Add Millets to Your Daily Diet” series, this month we explored pearl millet (bajra) through:
And today we end the month on a sweet note with this comforting, festive, and incredibly nourishing Pearl Millet Kheer / Bajra Payasam – Creamy, aromatic, rich – and secretly packed with nutrition.
By the end of this series, I bet you’ll be eating more millet than ever before!
What is Pearl Millet (Bajra)?
Pearl millet is one of the most widely consumed traditional grains in India. It is:
- Naturally gluten-free
- Rich in iron, fiber, and plant protein
- Excellent for gut health
- A low-glycemic grain, great for sustained energy
It has a beautiful, nutty, earthy flavor, which makes it perfect for both savory and sweet recipes.
Why Add Bajra to Your Daily Diet?
Adding pearl millet regularly can help:
✔ Improve digestion
✔ Keep you fuller for longer
✔ Support heart health
✔ Balance blood sugar
✔ Increase plant-based protein intake
And the best part – you can use it in everyday meals without changing your lifestyle.
Easy Ways to Replace Your Regular Grains with Bajra
Start small. Small changes = big difference ✨
You can:
- Replace rice with bajra in pulao
- Make half rice + half bajra khichdi
- Use bajra instead of semolina in upma
- Swap in bajra for broken wheat
- Make kheer with millet instead of rice
Beginner tip:
👉 Try ½ rice + ½ millet
👉 Or ½ millet + ½ quinoa
This makes the transition easy for the whole family.
Nutrition Per Serving (Approx.)
Per serving (1 of 5):
- 🌾 Protein: ~9-10 g
- 🌾 Fiber: ~4-5 g
This is significantly higher in fiber than traditional rice kheer 🙌
Serving Ideas
This kheer works:
- As a festive dessert
- As a nourishing prasad
- As a post-meal sweet
For a complete meal balance, serve your main millet dishes with:
🥗 Fresh salad
🥣 Raita
Millets become a lifestyle, not a one-time experiment.
Pearl Millet Kheer (Bajra Payasam)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and soak 120 gram Pearl millet for 6–8 hours (or overnight).
- Pressure cook with 1tbsp moong dal and 1400 ml Water until soft and mashable.
- Heat 2 tbsp Desi ghee in a pan.
- Fry 2 tsp Cashews, 2 tsp Almonds, and 2 tsp Raisins until golden.
- Keep aside.
- In a heavy-bottom pan add 1 litre Milk and let it come to a boil.
- Add cooked bajra and moong dal
- Let it simmer on low flame until thick and creamy.
- Add 140 gram Sugar, 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder and 1/8 tsp saffron.
- Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add fried dry fruits.
- Garnish with Almonds.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Replace sugar with jaggery or dates paste
- Use A2 milk or plant-based milk
- Add saffron for festive flavor
- Make it vegan with coconut milk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without soaking bajra?
Soaking is highly recommended for:
- Better digestion
- Faster cooking
- Creamier texture
Can I store this kheer?
Yes! Refrigerate for 2-3 days.
It will thicken – just add warm milk while reheating.
Can I use bajra flour?
Not for this recipe. Whole millet gives the best texture.
Is this good for kids?
Absolutely! It’s:
- Naturally nutritious
- Energy-rich
- Great for growing children
The Millet Mission 💛
Millets don’t need a complete diet overhaul.
Just:
✨ One recipe a week
✨ One small swap at a time
By the end of this series. You’ll be eating more millets than ever before.
Next month, we start with a NEW MILLET OF THE MONTH – FOXTAIL MILLET with brand new easy, modern, family-friendly recipes.
👉 Follow along so you don’t miss it.