Vrat Rice Pulao, Sama chawal Pulao

Are you tired of eating the same old fasting recipes and want to try a healthy alternative? Then this Vrat Rice Pulao, Sama chawal Pulao is excellent to start with.

Sama (swang) rice or vrat ke chawal is commonly eaten during fasting days. It is a gluten-free grain that behaves like rice and is a perfect fasting ingredient.

Sama rice, when combined with veggies, create a delicious meal that will completely satisfy your hunger pangs.

What is Sama Rice?

Sama rice is the term used for Barnyard Millets. Millets is a tiny white grain much smaller than sago pearls (sabudana) but more significant than sooji (semolina).

In India, traditional staples like wheat, rice, lentils, and pulses are not consumed during fasts. Alternate grains are eaten, therefore, making barnyard millets a popular choice. In regional languages, it is known as –

• Samai seeds,
• Moraiayo, 
• Bhagar,
• Small millets or
• Kuthiraivali.

I love creating simple and healthy recipes with Sama rice/barnyard millets like Vrat ki Idli, Vrat Dhokla, Sama Rice vadas, Spicy Millets Salad Bowl, Vrat ki Dahi Gujiya, and Sabudana Vrat Dosa.

But if you looking for a quick-fix meal, then this vrat ka pulao is the perfect starting point. 

Did you know- Barnyard Millets are Highly Nutritious!

You can get your daily dose of nutrition with Barnyard millets (along with some extra vegetables) as they are an excellent source of:

• Dietary fiber
• B-complex vitamins,
• Essential fatty acids,
• Minerals like: Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium
• Good source of protein,

Besides that, they are low in calories and easy to digest!

What’s so great about Vrat Rice Pulao, Sama chawal Pulao recipe?

1. It’s super easy to make – no pre-soak required. Combine everything in a pan and cook.

2. It’s gluten-free – meaning good for gluten intolerant people and a perfect diabetic-friendly snack. 

3. Make-ahead– make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it all day long. Leftovers make a great snack the next day. 

4. Easily customizable – feel free to play around with the ingredients. Add or minus the veggies or nuts that you do and don’t consume during fast. 

How to make Vrat Rice Pulao, Sama chawal Pulao?

1. Thoroughly rinse sama rice under tap water before cooking. Set it aside to drain.

2. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cashews and saute for 3 to 4 minutes, until cashews are light brown. Remove and set them aside.

3. To the same pan, add diced potatoes and cook until tender but still firm.

4. Add peanuts and cook for another 2-3 minutes until potatoes are slightly browned.

5. Add rinsed millets (sama rice) to the pan along with and water/buttermilk.

6. Stir in the spices and mix to combine. Bring it to a boil. When water is reduced to half, lower the flame.

7. Cover the pan and let the millets steam for 2-3 minutes.

8. After the cooking time is over, remove the pan from heat. Let it steam, covered, for another 2 minutes.

9. Uncover the pan and fluff the sama chawal pulao with a fork. Top with cashews, and serve hot.

Besides cooking the traditional way, sama rice can be prepared in the microwave!

1. Rinse the sama rice and tranfer it into the microwave-safe container. Pour in water and mix.

PRO TIP- Take a big bowl as water may boil over during the boiling process. 

2. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is done, remove from microwave.

3. Let it rest covered for 2-3 minutes before fluffing.