Have you tried Hurda Or Tender Sorghum which is a Gluten Free Winter Delicacy?

Jowar is the Indian name for sorghum, a cereal grain. Also known as white millet, which can be roasted,steamed, boiled, added to soups and stews or can be ground to flour.

Hurda is the name given to tender Jowar – the main staple grain of rural Maharashtra, India. In early January, Jowar grain is juicy and very tender. Just the right time to be eaten roasted.It is generally picked from fields and cooked there and then,  this  young  jowar  tastes awesome when roasted.

Process of roasting

They are roasted on dried cow dung, cakes of dried cow dung make for excellent roasting medium – slow and long lasting. Bunches of Hurda with stems that work as a grip are pushed in the hot pit. In about five minutes the tender grains are nicely roasted. The pit keepers, i.e Hurda makers, have mastered the art of holding the roasted hurda, burning hot, in their bare palms. Vigorous rubbing, using both the palms, separates the roasted Hurda from the chaff.

Generally farm party called Hurda Party is organized where the freshly plucked young tender jowar is roasted. It can be  directly eaten after  roasting when it is still hot and tender. To accompany they have jaggery (gud), shengdana-lassun chutney (both red and green) (groundnut-garlic chutney), dry khobra chutney(dry coconut), wanga  bhaji  (Brinjal vegetable)and taak (butter milk). Hot n spicy Theecha made of green chillies and garlic is also served.

Health benefits
Jowar is commonly eaten with the hull, which retains the majority of the nutrients. The plant is very high in fiber and iron, with a fairly high protein level and also a good source of phosphorus and thiamine. Jowar are rich in antioxidants and all sorghum varieties are gluten-free, an attractive alternative for wheat allergy sufferers.

So go ahead and enjoy…..Don’t worry if you do not have a farm, there are quite a few farm owners who offer Hurda Parties for a small fee. You can opt for Hurda cum lunch or Hurda cum dinner. If you have the appetite, go for both. The day is all yours.