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What Are Millets / Millet? How to Cook Them? How Many Types Of Millets? All Your Millet Questions Answered

Bowl of cooked millets with vegetables and nuts, healthy superfood meal

Millets: The Desi Superfood Making a Comeback

More families are leaning toward mindful eating and quick, healthy breakfast ideas. Millets are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. These desi superfoods, once staples in our grandparents’ kitchens, are making a comeback—and for all the right reasons.

Whether it’s a comforting Ragi porridge for kids or the elderly, a wholesome millet-based breakfast mix for working adults, or a hearty gluten-free Indian breakfast, millets are becoming the go-to for health-conscious homes across India.

Let’s answer some frequently asked millet questions:


What Are Millets?

Millets are small-seeded grains, naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Grown in India for thousands of years, they include varieties like Ragi, Jowar, Bajra, and Foxtail millet.

Health Benefits of Millets:

  • Rich in iron, calcium, fiber, and protein

  • Aid digestion

  • Help regulate blood sugar

  • Keep you full for longer

At Sonkan, we bring traditional Indian grains into your modern kitchen with a tasty twist. Our range of ready-to-cook millet mixes is easy to cook and healthy to eat—so you can enjoy the goodness of millets without spending hours in preparation.


How Many Types of Millets Are There?

1. Ragi (Finger Millet)

  • Rich in calcium and iron, popular in South India

  • Common dishes: Ragi mudde, Ragi dosa, Ragi malt, porridge

  • Ideal for gluten-free breakfast options

2. Bajra (Pearl Millet)

  • Heat-producing grain, commonly eaten in winter

  • Dishes: Bajra roti, khichdi, bajra laddoos

  • Builds immunity and strength

3. Jowar (Sorghum)

  • High in fiber, helps manage weight

  • Dishes: Jowar bhakri, Jolad rotti, Jowar upma

  • Essential desi superfood

4. Foxtail Millet (Kangni/Korra)

  • Light, low-fat, easy to digest

  • Dishes: Pongal, upma, lemon millet rice

  • Popular in ready-to-cook millet mixes

5. Little Millet (Kutki/Samai)

  • Good for diabetes management

  • Dishes: Khichdi, payasam, millet pulao

  • Cooks quickly

6. Barnyard Millet (Sanwa/Jhangora)

  • Commonly used during fasting

  • Dishes: Kheer, upma, tikkis

  • High in fiber and iron

7. Kodo Millet (Kodon)

  • High in antioxidants

  • Dishes: Idli, pulao, porridge

  • Resembles rice when cooked

8. Proso Millet (Chena)

  • High protein content

  • Dishes: Soups, salads, breakfast porridge

  • Gaining popularity

9. Brown Top Millet

  • Hardy, rain-fed crop

  • Dishes: Dosas, khichdi, mixed millet rotis

  • Known for detox benefits

10. Broomcorn Millet (Cholam)

  • Lesser-known millet from Tamil Nadu

  • Dishes: Rotis, porridge, steamed cakes

Tip: Each millet has unique taste and texture. Sonkan’s millet pancake mix and multigrain chilla mix combine the best of these grains for tasty, convenient meals.


How to Cook Millets

Cooking millets is simple:

  1. Rinse well

  2. Soak for 15–30 minutes (optional)

  3. Boil in adequate water until soft

Uses: Replace rice in khichdi, upma, dosa batter, chilla, or cutlets.

Quick Ideas:

  • Ragi malt: Sugar-free, energizing drink for kids, ready in 1 minute

  • No maida pancake mix: Nutritious, ready in under 10 minutes


Where to Buy Millet Products Online in India

Many options exist online, but few balance health, taste, and convenience like Sonkan. From vegan breakfast ideas to nutrient-rich snacks, our products are designed for real Indian families.


Millets-Based Products Available in India

Conclusion

Millets aren’t just a trend—they’re a return to roots. With Sonkan’s ready-to-cook options, you don’t have to choose between health and taste. Whether it’s a fussy toddler or a rushed morning, there’s always a millet meal waiting for you.