Millets Haleem - By Feroz Haider Alvi

Millets Haleem is a rich and flavorful stew that combines boneless chicken, lentils, and millets, cooked to perfection and reduced to a thick paste. This hearty dish is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

- 125 gm Little Millets

- 350 gm Boneless Chicken

- 50 gm Moong Dal

- 60 gm Daliya (Broken Wheat)

- 50 gm Masoor Dal

- 50 gm Toor Dal

- 50 gm Chana Dal

- 50 gm Urad Dal

- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

- Salt, to taste

- Water, as required

- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick

- 2-3 Green Cardamom

- 1 tsp Sugar

- 250 gm Onion

- 3-4 cloves Garlic

- 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder

- 250 gm Tomatoes

- 50 gm Fresh Mint Leaves

- 2-3 Lemons

- 1-2 Whole Red Chillies

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak all the lentils along with daliya in a deep bowl for an hour.

2. Wash chicken and keep aside.

3. Chop tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

4. Slice onions for tempering.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add soaked lentils and daliya. Add enough water to cover the surface. Stir well, cover with a lid, and cook for half an hour on low flame.

2. In a cauldron, heat oil and add cinnamon stick and green cardamom.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a while.

4. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder. Sauté for 4-5 minutes.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and boneless chicken. Cook on low flame until the chicken releases its juices properly.

6. Add the boiled lentil mixture to the cauldron, along with water as needed. Mix well.

7. Allow it to cook until the mixture turns into a thick, smooth paste.

For Tempering:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and add whole red chillies, chopped garlic, and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

2. Add this tempering to the prepared mixture.

For Garnish:

Garnish with freshly chopped mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful Millets Haleem with your loved ones!