Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of sneaky nutrition – wholesome, kid-friendly, and incredibly versatile. These pearl millet (bajra) tikkis are proof that healthy Indian vegetarian food doesn’t have to be boring.
If you think millets are boring or complicated, let me change your mind – one recipe at a time. This is Recipe #2 in my “Millet Magic” series, where I show you how to add millets to your everyday meals without complicated steps or unfamiliar flavors.
This month, I’m focusing on Pearl Millet (Bajra) and sharing one easy millet recipe every week to help you add millets into your daily Indian vegetarian diet without stress.
🌾 What Is Pearl Millet (Bajra)?
Pearl millet, also known as Bajra, is one of the oldest cultivated grains in India. Traditionally eaten in rural and semi-arid regions, it’s now making a comeback and for good reason.
Why pearl millet deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- Naturally gluten-free
- Rich in fiber and plant protein
- Keeps you fuller for longer
- Helps support gut health and steady energy levels
Think of bajra as your everyday grain – just like rice or wheat, but with more nutrition packed in.
🌾 Where Can You Replace Pearl Millet in Daily Food?
If you’re new to millets, start small. You don’t need a “millet diet” – just smarter swaps.
- Replace rice with pearl millet in khichdi
- Use it instead of potatoes in tikkis
- Add cooked millet to salads or grain bowls
- Use millet flour in rotis or pancakes
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on standard ingredient values
- Protein: ~13–15 g
- Fiber: ~8–9 g
- Calories: ~320–350 kcal
Where it comes from:
- Pearl millet → protein + fiber
- Chickpea-free but still filling thanks to sweet potato + yogurt
- Greek yogurt boosts protein without heaviness
- Sweet potato provides slow-release carbs and gut-friendly fiber
👉 A balanced, kid-friendly, gut-happy meal.
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on brands and exact quantities
🍽 How to Serve These Pearl Millet Tikkis
This is where the magic happens ✨
One recipe, multiple meals. Meal prep a batch, and you’re set for 2-3 meals.
- 🍔 As a millet burger patty
- 🌯 Wrapped in a roti or tortilla
- 🥗 On top of a salad bowl
- 🧒🏽 Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes
- 🥪 Between toasted bread for a quick sandwich
🔁 Recipe Variations & Alternatives
- Add paneer crumbles for extra protein
- Use spices like cumin or garam masala for Indian flavors
- Make mini tikkis for toddlers
- Turn it into a millet slider for parties
Pearl Millet Tikkis with Greek yogurt Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pearl millet until soft but not mushy. Cool completely.
- In a food processor bowl, add cooked sweet potato and cooked millet.
- Mix in vegetables, spices, herbs and combine
- In a bowl add combined mixture and add binding agent like breadcrumbs or oat flour.
- Shape into tikkis.
- Pan-cook with minimal oil until golden on both sides or air fry it.
- Mix all coleslaw ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Serve warm tikkis with creamy yogurt slaw.
❓ Common FAQs
Is pearl millet good for kids?
Yes! When cooked well and paired with vegetables or yogurt, it’s nourishing and easy to digest.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Swap Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt or hummus.
Can I bake or air-fry the tikkis?
Yes – both work beautifully with less oil.
Can I replace the sweet potato?
Yes. Use regular potato, pumpkin, or even mashed lentils.
Can I freeze these tikkis?
Yes! Freeze uncooked or cooked tikkis for up to 1 month.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use oat flour labeled gluten-free or corn flour.
🌾 What’s Coming Next?
Up next in this pearl millet series:
👉 An easy, comforting Pearl Millet Khichdi – perfect for busy weekdays.
Follow along, because by the end of this series, I bet you’ll be eating more millet than ever.
