Chef Kunal Kapur introduces a quick, low-oil recipe for samak rice cutlets, blending nutritional benefits with festive versatility in a light, crispy snack suitable for fasting and everyday eating.
Chef Kunal Kapur has shared a simple way to turn samak rice, also known as barnyard millet, into crisp cutlets that suit both everyday snacking and festive menus. The recipe, published by NDTV Food, is designed to be low in oil and quick to prepare, with a mixture of millet, vegetables and nuts shaped into patties and cooked until golden. Because it skips breadcrumbs, potatoes and cornflour, the cutlets are lighter than many traditional versions while still aiming to hold together well. NDTV Food said the dish can be served as breakfast, packed into lunch boxes or offered to guests.
The appeal of samak rice goes beyond convenience. NDTV Health says barnyard millet is naturally gluten-free and has a low glycaemic index, which means it may be a better option for people trying to manage blood sugar levels. It is also a source of fibre, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. WebMD and Healthline describe millet more broadly as an ancient grain family that brings fibre and antioxidants to the diet, with benefits linked to digestion, fullness and protection against oxidative stress.
In Kapur’s version, the base is built with cumin, asafoetida, curry leaves, green chillies and ginger before water, salt, roasted peanuts, cashews, carrots, French beans, corn and peas are added. The mixture is then cooked with the barnyard millet until the liquid is absorbed, cooled slightly and kneaded by hand before being shaped into cutlets. The patties are finished in a pan with a light coating of ghee, which gives them a crisp surface without deep-frying.
The result is a dish that fits neatly into the sort of vrat-friendly or fasting food that is already familiar in many Indian kitchens, but with a more snack-like presentation. Similar recipes from food writers and chefs such as Ranveer Brar and Petite Paprika show how barnyard millet is often paired with peanuts, spices and vegetables in Indian fasting dishes, while Kapur’s approach leans towards a more versatile cutlet that could work just as well for children as for adults. That makes the recipe especially useful when households want something filling, lighter and easy to make ahead.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
