Bhagar

Bhagar, also known as Sama rice or barnyard millet, is a popular dish during fasting days.

Here’s a detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup Bhagar (Sama rice/Barnyard millet)

* 1/2 cup roasted peanut powder

* 2 medium-sized potatoes (optional)

* 2-3 green chilies, chopped

* 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

* 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

* 2 cups water

* Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste

* Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

* Optional: Kokum, sugar or jaggery.

Instructions:

* Preparation:

* Rinse the bhagar thoroughly in water and drain it.

* If using potatoes, peel and dice them into small cubes.

* If using raw peanuts, roast them, cool them, and then coarsely grind them into a powder.

* Tempering:

* Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai.

* Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

* Add the chopped green chilies and sauté for a minute.

* If using potatoes, add the diced potatoes and cook until they are lightly browned.

* Cooking the Bhagar:

* Add the rinsed bhagar to the pan and stir for a few minutes.

* Add the roasted peanut powder, and mix well.

* Add the water and sendha namak (rock salt) to taste.

* If you are using kokum, or sugar/jaggery, add them now.

* Bring the mixture to a boil.

* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the bhagar is cooked and the water is absorbed. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

* Check if the bhagar is cooked, by pressing a few grains between your fingers. It should be soft.

* Finishing and Serving:

* Once the bhagar is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes with the lid on.

* Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.

* Serve hot. Bhagar pairs well with dahi (yogurt), or fasting curries.

Tips and Variations:

* You can adjust the amount of water depending on the desired consistency.

* For added flavor, you can add a pinch of ginger or grated coconut.

* If you don’t have ghee, you can use any other cooking oil suitable for fasting.

* Some people also add other vegetables during fasts, like bottle gourd, or other gourds.

* Lemon juice can be added at the end for an added citrus note.

Enjoy your delicious and fasting-friendly Bhagar!