Little Millet / Saamai

Little Millet / Saamai

Tamil: சாமை (Saamai) | Telugu: సామలు (Saamalu) | Malayalam: ചാമ (Chaama) | Kannada: ಸಾಮೆ (Saame) | Hindi: कुटकी (Kutki)

Little millet (Panicum miliare), known as Saamai in Tamil, Saamalu in Telugu, Chaama in Malayalam, Saame in Kannada and Kutki in Hindi, is an ancient grain and one of the best alternatives to rice and wheat. The tiny, round grain has been a staple in diets for countless generations, and remains a dependable cornerstone in your pantry today – light and airy in texture, you’ll also love the natural nutrition this cereal provides. It is suited for anything you would have with rice, it makes a nice polenta and is great for stuffing vegetables, as well as in pilafs, casseroles and stir fries.

Why Choose Little Millet?

Rich in Essential Nutrients: Little Millet is rich in carbohydrates, plant based protein, and dietary fiber. It also includes key micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, which are beneficial to general health.

Light & Easy to Digest: This hulled millet is light on stomach and is considered best as daily salt. Due to its abundance of natural fiber, it contributes to a balanced digestion and supports an extended satiety which is important for a clean and balanced meal.

Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: Little Millet does not contain any gluten and can be followed by people who are gluten sensitive. As a vegan food because it is a plant source grain so you can enjoy as a healthy food in a vegan lifestyle.

Part of Ancient Food Traditions: Traditionally Little Millet was cultivated in South India especially in Andhra and Tamil Nadu where it is known as Samai. Today in rural and urban kitchens alike we still value it for its robust flavor and power-packed nutrition.

Culinary Uses of Little Millet

Little Millet being flavour neutral is also great for exotic dishes (Indian and continental).

• Little Millet Upma by Harini Little Millet can be substituted for semolina to make a soft porous upma when you cook with onions, green chillies and curry leaves.
• Little Millet Pongal – Healthy and comforting breakfast dish prepared with little millet and moong dal, spiced with pepper and ghee.
• Little Millet Rice Alternative – Cooked millet grains take on the role of rice in daily meals and work well with curries, dals or sambar.
• Samai Idli Dosa Recipe – Millets are good for health.
• Samai Pulao – A wholesome one pot meal with veggies and masalas, healthy and tasty.
• Little Millet Kheer / Payasam - Sweet option where little millet is cooked with milk (or plant based milk), jaggery and cardamom making a creamy dessert.

Storage Tips

Keep it in an airtight container in a cool dark, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent infestation. For extended shelf life, keep refrigerated or in smaller portions to avoid humidity absorption.

A Nutritious Everyday Grain

Little Millet This is not just a staple- it is a treasure trove of India’s millet heritage. With mild flavors, ability to be cooked in many different ways and very nutritive goodness can easily make a part of most people’s everyday diet. Be it porridge, a substitute for rice, or festive recipes, Little Millet / Saamai is an uncomplicated, healthy grain that fits in effortlessly in contemporary time-poor, health-aware cooking.

Note:

This product is a natural food grain and not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.