Sorghum Nuggets

By Chhaya Thakker

Sorghum is a staple food in many parts of the world. With its hearty texture and a mild, nutty flavor, and the fact that it pops just like corn, allows sorghum to be used in various recipes like cereals, pilafs, and salads. The grain is also a nutritious food that is rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.

Total time: 30 to 40 minutes
Serving: 8 people

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole sorghum
• 1,1/2 cup potatoes boiled and grated
• 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella/Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp chaat Masala
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
  For the coating:
• ¼ cup sorghum flour
• ¼ tsp pepper crushed
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup water
• oil for deep frying

Instructions:

• Wash and soak the sorghum in water overnight or for a minimum of six hours
• Drain the sorghum and place it in a pressure cooker along with salt and water.
• Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles.
• Drain into a colander
• Rinse the cooked sorghum well, fluff with a fork and set aside
• Transfer the cooled sorghum to a large bowl, along with boiled grated potatoes, cheese, ginger-garlic paste, chili flakes, mixed herbs, pepper, chaat masala, salt, chopped parsley, and mix well to form a smooth dough
• Add ¼ cup bread crumbs to coat the dough mixture and set aside
• Mix the sorghum flour, pepper, salt and water to form a smooth slurry
• Pinch a small ball sized dough from the sorghum mix and form a cylindrical shape
• Dip in the slurry to cover all sides and then roll it in bread crumbs
• Deep fry, shallow fry, or pan fry the sorghum cylinders in hot oil
• Flip and fry on all sides over medium flame till it turns golden and crisp
• Drain over kitchen paper to remove excess oil and serve sorghum nuggets with tomato sauce or green chutney.
• For a more healthy version of the nuggets, you can avoid the oil frying process and instead bake at 180°c.for 25 minutes

Indian Chef Chhaya Thakker, who has a huge following online on WhatsApp and YouTube will be sharing her favorite recipes and cooking tips with readers of The Times Kuwait. For feedback, you can write to editortimeskuwait@gmail.com