Grain of the Week - 11 - Kambu - Pearl Millet

Kumbu or pearl millet is the first millet that I got introduced to. During the summer months cooked cumbu saatham was made into balls and soaked in water in earthen ware pots ready to be eaten during breakfast or lunch during the hot summer months.

Gluten free with a low glycemic index it is good for those wanting to control their sugar intake.

Pearl Millet

Pearl Millet is available in the US in health food stores. While the pearl millet I have seen in India is pale greenish brown like the picture above the ones I purchased here in the US is mostly yellowish color.

Update: Thanks to a friend on FB realize this is not kambu but thinai.

Foxtail Millet

Pearl Millet can be cooked like we do rice - Kambu Saatham or they can be used make dosai or paniyaaram.

In the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, pearl millet was a staple before rice became cheap and popular. India is largest producer of pearl millet and can grow even in drought prone areas.

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