Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao (Varagu Arisi Pulao) | Healthy Lunch Box Recipe

Looking for a healthy lunch box recipe with millets? Try this easy Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao that is fluffy, filling, and ready in just 15 minutes. I always like to pack something healthy and filling for the lunch box, but making the same rice dishes again and again can become boring. So, one day, I tried making this Pacha Payaru Pulao with Varagu Arisi (Kodo Millet).

This recipe is very simple to make. Just soak the pacha payaru overnight or for 4 to 6 hours, and you can prepare this pulao in just 15 minutes.A healthy and wholesome millet lunch is ready in no time. This recipe is worth trying for office-goers, kids, or whenever you want to eat something healthy and wholesome.

Many people avoid cooking with varagu arisi because it turns mushy every time. But don’t worry! In this recipe, I will share a few simple tips to make perfectly fluffy, non-sticky (uthri uthri) millet pulao every single time.

What I love most about this recipe is that it comes together in just one pot. It is perfect for busy mornings when you want to prepare a wholesome meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

If you are looking for an easy and healthy millet lunch recipe, try this Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao .

What Is Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao?

This pulao is a simple one-pot meal made with ingredients that are easily available at home. In this recipe, soaked pacha payaru is cooked along with kodo millet, onions, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and whole spices in a pressure cooker until light and fluffy. The result is a flavorful and protein-rich millet pulao that is perfect for lunch boxes, busy weekdays, or a simple family meal. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to regular rice pulao, you should definitely give this recipe a try.

This varagu arisi pulao is mildly spiced, easy to digest, and makes an excellent lunch box recipe for both kids and adults. Since it is prepared in a pressure cooker, it is perfect for busy mornings.

Health Benefits of Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao

• Rich in protein: Pacha payaru (whole green gram) is a good source of plant-based protein, which helps keep you full for a longer time.
• High in fiber: Both pacha payaru and kodo millet are rich in fiber. Fiber supports digestion and helps you stay satisfied between meals.
• A healthy alternative to rice: Kodo millet is a great alternative to regular white rice and can be included as part of a balanced diet.
• Keeps you energized: This pulao combines millet, legumes, and spices, making it a wholesome meal for busy weekdays and lunch boxes.
• Naturally gluten-free: Since this recipe uses kodo millet instead of wheat, it is naturally gluten-free.
• Perfect for everyday meals: Made with simple ingredients and fresh herbs, this one-pot pulao is a nourishing meal for both kids and adults.

Curious about the health benefits of kodo millet and pacha payaru? Click here to learn more.

Ingredients for Pulao Recipe

• 100 grams pacha payaru (whole green gram), cleaned, washed, and soaked overnight or for 4 to 6 hours
• 250 grams varagu arisi (kodo millet), cleaned, washed, and soaked for 10 minutes
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon freshly prepared ginger-garlic paste
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 300 ml water
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala (optional)

How to Make Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao

Heat the Oil and Add the Whole Spices

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Once the oil is hot, add bay leaves, fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Saute for a few seconds until aromatic.

Saute the Onions

Add sliced onions and green chilies. Saute until the onions become soft and turn translucent.

Add Ginger Garlic Paste

Add freshly prepared ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute or two until the raw smell disappears.

Add Mint and Coriander Leaves

Add mint leaves and coriander leaves. Saute for another 2 minutes until the leaves shrink slightly and release their aroma.

Add the Soaked Pacha Payaru

Drain the soaked pacha payaru and add it to the cooker. Mix well so that the lentils are coated with the spices.

Add the Kodo Millet

Add the soaked varagu arisi (kodo millet) and gently mix. Be careful not to stir too much.

Add Water and Cook

Pour in water, add salt and garam masala (Optional). Close the cooker and cook on medium flame for one whistle.

Fluff and Serve

Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker and gently fluff the pulao before serving.

Tips and Variations

Tips

• I have used homemade ginger garlic paste in this recipe, as it gives a fresh flavor and aroma to the pulao.
• The water ratio may vary slightly depending on the quality and brand of kodo millet used. As a general rule, use 1½ cups of water for every 1 cup of kodo millet.
• You can adjust the spice level according to your taste. Slit green chilies work well and add a nice flavor to the pulao.
• Once you add water, close the pressure cooker and cook immediately. Allowing the water to boil for too long before pressure cooking can make the varagu arisi mushy.

Variations

• Add vegetables like carrot, green peas, or beans to make the pulao more nutritious.
• For a richer taste, replace water with thin coconut milk.
• Add a few cashews while tempering for extra crunch and flavor.
• You can also make this recipe with little millet or foxtail millet instead of kodo millet.

Serving Suggestions

Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao tastes delicious on its own, but you can make it even more satisfying by serving it with a simple onion raita, plain curd, or your favorite pickle. You can also pair it with some of my other recipes shared below.

Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao Recipe – Healthy One Pot Lunch box Recipe

Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao is a healthy one-pot lunch box recipe made with whole green gram, kodo millet, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. This protein-rich millet pulao is light, fluffy, and perfect for busy weekdays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 3 people

Course: lunch, Main Course, onepotmeal

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 100 g pacha payaru whole green gram, soaked overnight or for 4 to 6 hours
• 250 g varagu arisi kodo millet, washed and soaked for 10 minutes
• 2 tbsp Cooking oil
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ tsp fennel seeds
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies slit
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• Handful of mint leaves
• Handful of coriander leaves
• 300 ml water (Ratio 1cup rice , 1.5cup of water )
• Salt to taste
• ¼ tsp garam masala optional

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker
• Measuring Cups
• Chopping Board

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add bay leaves, fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Saute for a few seconds.
2. Add sliced onions and green chilies. Saute until the onions turn soft and translucent.
3. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add mint leaves and coriander leaves. Saute for 2 minutes.
5. Add the soaked pacha payaru and mix well.
6. Add the soaked kodo millet and gently combine.
7. Pour in water, add salt and garam masala if using, and mix well.
8. Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame for one whistle.
9. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Gently fluff the pulao and serve hot.

Notes

• Soaking pacha payaru overnight helps it cook faster.
• Soak kodo millet only for 10 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use the correct water ratio to get fluffy, non-sticky millet pulao.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally for best texture.

FAQs for Protein Rich Millet Recipe

Tried this recipe

I hope you give this Pacha Payaru Kodo Millet Pulao a try and enjoy it as much as my family did. If you make this recipe, do share your experience in the comments below. I would love to know how it turned out for you.

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