In today’s fast-moving world, people are rediscovering ancient grains and reimagining them for modern lifestyles. Little millet, locally known as Suan in Odisha, is one such forgotten super grain making a strong comeback. When transformed into Suan Kheer, it becomes a perfect example of a new-age dish—traditional at heart, nutritious by nature, and suited for modern health-conscious consumers.
At Soil to Serve, we believe real innovation lies in reviving indigenous foods and presenting them in a clean, wholesome, and sustainable way.
🌾 What is Little Millet (Suan)?
Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is one of India’s oldest cultivated millets. Traditionally consumed in tribal and rural households, Suan is:
- Climate-resilient
- Grown with minimal inputs
- Naturally rich in nutrients
Turning Suan into kheer replaces refined rice and excess sugar with slow-digesting, nutrient-dense goodness, making it ideal for today’s health-focused generation.
🍲 Little Millet (Suan) Kheer Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- Little millet (Suan) – ½ cup
- Milk (or almond/coconut milk for vegan option) – 1 litre
- Jaggery (powdered) – 3–4 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Cashews – 1 tbsp
- Raisins – 1 tbsp
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Water – 1½ cups
Preparation Method
- Clean & Soak
Wash little millet thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes. This improves texture and digestion. - Cook the Millet
Add soaked millet and water to a pressure cooker. Cook for 2–3 whistles until soft. - Add Milk
Transfer cooked millet to a thick-bottomed pan. Add milk and simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Sweeten Naturally
Add jaggery once the mixture cools slightly (to prevent curdling). Stir well. - Flavor & Garnish
Add cardamom powder. Fry cashews and raisins in ghee and mix into the kheer. - Serve Warm or Chilled
Enjoy it warm for comfort or chilled as a refreshing dessert.
💚 Health Benefits of Suan Kheer
✔ High in Fiber
Supports digestion, prevents constipation, and keeps you full longer.
✔ Low Glycaemic Index
Ideal for diabetics and people managing blood sugar levels.
✔ Rich in Iron & Magnesium
Helps improve energy levels, immunity, and overall metabolism.
✔ Gluten-Free & Easy to Digest
Suitable for people with gluten intolerance and sensitive digestion.
✔ Weight-Friendly Dessert
A guilt-free alternative to rice kheer and sugar-loaded sweets.
⏰ Perfect Time to Eat Little Millet Kheer
- Breakfast (Occasional):
Provides sustained energy when prepared with less jaggery. - Lunch Dessert:
Best time for digestion and nutrient absorption. - Post-Workout or Evening Meal:
Helps replenish energy without sugar spikes.
⚠️ Avoid late-night consumption if digestion is weak, as milk-based dishes may feel heavy.
🌱 Why Suan Kheer is a New-Age Dish
- Replaces refined grains with ancient millets
- Uses natural sweeteners like jaggery
- Supports local farmers and indigenous crops
- Aligns with modern needs: diabetes-friendly, gut-friendly, sustainable
Suan Kheer is not just a recipe—it’s a movement towards mindful eating.
Final Thought
Modern food doesn’t have to mean processed food. Sometimes, the most futuristic meals come from our roots. Little millet (Suan) Kheer proves that traditional wisdom can beautifully meet modern nutrition.
If you’re looking to bring clean, authentic, farmer-sourced millet products into your kitchen, explore our range at Soil to Serve—where food comes straight from the soil, with purpose and purity.
Eat local. Eat mindful. Eat better.