Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's healthy, gluten-free foxtail millet idli recipe will give your breakfast a supergrain boost

Published on: Oct 11, 2025, 15:05:09 IST

By Eshana Saha

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Sanjeev Kapoor's millet recipe is not only great for digestion and heart health but also gluten-free. (Pinterest)

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s foxtail millet idli adds a healthy, protein and fibre-rich twist to the classic breakfast, perfect for digestion and heart health.

Regular idlis are already packed with health benefits, but if you want to make them even more nutritious, try Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s foxtail millet idli recipe, which was posted on his website on October 6, 2025.

Foxtail millet, known as kangni in Hindi, is a small, golden grain with a slightly nutty flavour. Rich in protein, dietary fibre, and essential minerals, it supports digestion, helps manage blood sugar, and promotes heart health. This wholesome twist on the classic idli is easy to make and perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Here’s how you can make it at home:

Also Read | Sanjeev Kapoor explains why Indian cuisine always wins over trendy Western options: ‘Most sold burger is aloo tikki'

Ingredients

1 cup foxtail millet (washed, soaked for 3-4 hours, and drained)
½ cup split skinless black gram (dhuli urad dal) (washed, soaked for 3-4 hours, and drained)
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi dana) (soaked for 3-4 hours, and drained)
Salt to taste
Oil for brushing
Coconut chutney to serve

Method

In a grinder jar, combine foxtail millet, split skinless black gram, fenugreek seeds, and ¾ cup water. Grind to a fine paste. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and set aside to ferment for 6-8 hours.
Once fermented, add salt and mix well.
Boil sufficient water in a steamer.
Brush each cavity of the idli moulds with some oil. Pour a ladleful of batter into each cavity and place the moulds in the steamer. Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes.
Remove the moulds from the steamer and de-mould the idlis.
Place the idlis on serving plates and serve hot with coconut chutney.

Health benefits

Foxtail millet is a nutrient-packed supergrain, rich in fibre, protein, essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium, and B vitamins. According to Redcliffe Labs, its benefits include promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar, supporting heart health by reducing cholesterol, and assisting in weight management. Naturally gluten-free, it is ideal for those with gluten sensitivities, and its nutritional profile also helps strengthen overall immunity.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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