Bhagar & Groundnut Amti — भगर व दाण्याची आमटी

Ingredients

For Bhagar (Barnyard Millet):

• 1 cup Barnyard Millet (Bhagar/Varai)
• 2 medium potatoes, grated
• 2 tbsp clarified butter (ghee)
• 1/4 tsp rock salt (to taste)

For Groundnut Curry (Danyachi Amti):

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (with skin)
• 1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 small green chili
• 1 inch piece of ginger
• 3-4 kokum petals (amsul)
• 1/4 tsp rock salt
• 1 tsp grated jaggery

Method

For Bhagar:

1. Clean the barnyard millet, wash it using a fine sieve, and drain the water completely.
2. Heat ghee in a pan. Add the grated potatoes and barnyard millet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add 2.5 cups of water and salt.
4. Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and cooked.

For Groundnut Curry:

1. Grind the peanuts, ginger, green chili, and salt in a blender to make a smooth paste.
2. Heat ghee in a pot, add cumin powder and the peanut paste, and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add 2 cups of water.
4. Add kokum and jaggery. Cover and simmer for 7-8 minutes until the curry is well cooked and aromatic.

Health Benefits

• Gluten-Free: Barnyard millet is naturally gluten-free and easy to digest.
• High in Fiber: Helps prevent constipation and keeps you full for longer.
• Good for Fasting: High in energy and iron, ideal during fasts (upvas).

Summary

Bhagar and Groundnut Amti is a classic Maharashtrian fasting (upvas) meal. The soft, fluffy millet paired with a tangy, sweet-spicy peanut curry makes it a satisfying comfort food that is naturally gluten-free.