Breakfast, Millets, Sevai, Upma

Thinai sevai | Foxtail millet vermicelli veg upma

Name: Thinai sevai | Foxtail millet vermicelli veg upma
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 200 g Foxtail Millet (I used Anil brand); 2 tsp Oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup Mixed Veggies (I used carrot, french beans and peas); 1 Onions (large, minced); 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1 tsp Lemon Juice; 1 tsp Green coriander leaves (chopped); 3 Green Chillies (minced); 1 inch Ginger (grated); 1 tsp Mustard Seeds; 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (simply skip for nut allergy); 1/2 tsp split black gram (urad dal); 1 sprig Curry Leaves

May 10, 2022

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What is Thinai Sevai / Foxtail Millet Vermicelli Upma?

Thinai Sevai is a quick, nutritious breakfast made with Foxtail Millet vermicelli and veggies. Can be served as a snack or light dinner too. Thinai is also called Navane (in Kannada), Thina (Malayalam), Kangni (Hindi/ Urdu) and Korra (in Telugu).

Millets in place of Rice

Thinai or foxtail millet is a versatile millet that can be used in place of rice too. Of late, there has been a surge in millets being used to make vermicelli / pasta too. Todays recipe is a quick, healthy and filling breakfast / dinner with foxtail millet vermicelli. Of course it can be made plain too, with basic tempering but we prefer it loaded with veggies for a filling meal.

While we make pongal / idli / dosa / upma with millets, we loved the new addition that these millet vermicelli brings to the breakfast table. This is similar to the Ragi Sevai, but the latter was made from scratch at home and then seasoned. ANother easy and satvik (No onion no garlic) upma you might like is the Andhra Style Biyyapuravva Majjiga Upma (Cracked rice + buttermilk upma). What’s more, I used leftover of this semiya upma in a delish cutlet too – check out the recipe here

Other millet recipes you may like in the blog are….

Varagu Arisi Dosai | Kodo Millet Crepes

Varagu Arisi Dosai | Kodo Millet Crepes are delicious Vegan and Gluten Free Crepes (Dosa) made with millets and lentils. Served for breakfast or sometimes dinner with chutney / sambar on the side.

Check out this recipe

Thinai Uttapam | Foxtail Millet Uttapam

Thinai Uttapam or Foxtail Millet Uttapam is a thick dosa (savoury pancake) made with millets topped with vegetables. 100% Gluten Free and Vegan. Served as breakfast or snack.

Check out this recipe

Ragi Sevai | Ragi Semiya Upma | Finger Millet String Hoppers

A sevai / Upma /savory pudding made with Ragi Sevai / Ragi Vermicelli or Finger Millet string hoppers. Served as a South Indian Breakfast or Snack.

Check out this recipe

Ragi Sevai | Ragi Semiya Upma | Finger Millet String Hoppers

What can be served with this thinai sevai ?

Plain curd , coconut chutney or lemon pickle goes well. But as it’s spicy and filling on its own, we enjoy it as is.

PIN FOR LATER

5 reasons to use millet in everyday dishes

gluten free
Plant based
Sustainable (as millets take very little water to grow)
Versatile (can replace high GI polished rice in most meals)
Filling and nutritious

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Let’s get to the recipe now

Prep time – 10 mins, steaming + cook time – 20 mins ; serves – 3

Cuisine – South Indian, Course – Breakfast / snack (incl. light dinner)

Ingredients to make Thinai Sevai

200 g foxtail millet (I used Anil brand)
2 tsp oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup mixed veggies (I used carrot, french beans and peas)
1 onion (large, minced)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp coriander leaves (chopped)
3 green chilies (minced)
1 inch ginger (grated)

Tempering

1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp peanuts (simply skip for nut allergy)
1/2 tsp split black gram (urad dal)
1 sprig curry leaves

How to make Thinai Sevai | Foxtail millet vermicelli Upma

Cook millet according to packet instructions. Cool thoroughly.
Blanch / steam the veggies in a microwave (carrot/ potato / peas) for 5 mins until tender but still holding shape. Drain and keep aside.
In a non stick pan, add the oil. Splutter the tempering ingredients.
Once the dal has browned and the peanuts turn crunchy , add the onions, turmeric and green chillies.
Let the onions brown a bit, takes 3-4 mins
Add the steamed veggies and sauté
Now add the ginger and mix once
Add in the steamed / prepared millet vermicelli
Toss lightly . Finish with lemon juice and coriander .
Mix once lightly and serve immediately.