Indian Spiced Millet And Black Bean Timbale

Its no secret that even an ordinary dish can look extra ordinary with proper plating. You don’t have to go to great heights to achieve restaurant-like perfection. With a little creativity and attention to detail, this can be a snap.

Like I did with this timbale. Creamy millet imitating mashed potatoes, black beans dressed with Indian spices instead of the usual Mexican flavour, and a little raw vegetable for crunch and colour are stacked, rather than being scooped onto a plate. It may look fancy, but is really simple. Of course, this is just an idea, rather than a recipe. You can change the grain, bean and the vegetables per your liking. The medley of different flavours and textures was gratifying. All-in-all, this recipe is definitely a keeper. “It tastes like pongal” G said, after the first bite. I took that as a compliment, knowing how much he loves pongal.

Creamy Millet and Black Bean Timbale
(serves 2)

Ingredients

Millet Layer

Oil – 1 tsp
Onion – ½ cup, fine dice
Garlic – 1 clove, minced
Green chilli – 1, slit
Millet – 2/3 cup
Water – 2 cups
Salt
Yogurt – ½ cup
Water – ½ - 1 cup, or as needed
Cilantro – 1 tbsp, chopped finely

Bean Layer

Black beans – 2 cups, cooked and slightly mashed
Zest and juice of half a lime
Ground coriander – 1 tsp
Red pepper flakes – a pinch
Salt

Tomato and/or red bell pepper – 2 cups, small dice
Scallions, cilantro or green garlic – 2 stalks, sliced thin

Method

In a thick bottomed pan, heat oil, toast cumin seeds, followed by onion, garlic, and green chilli. Once the onion starts to soften, add millet, water and salt. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes. Alternately, pressure cook for three whistles. The grain should be soft and mushy. Let cool slightly, add yogurt and ½ cup of water. The mixture should have the consistency of pudding. Add more water, if necessary. In another bowl, toss all the ingredients listed under bean layer and set aside.

To assemble, oil the insides of a mold ring, or an empty can with both the top and bottom off. Fill half the mold with millet. With wet finger tips, slightly push the mixture to form a solid layer. Top with tomato/bell pepper mixture. Finally scoop the black beans. Gently remove the mold, garnish with a herb of your choice.

If you don’t have a ring mold or an empty can, use a ramekin, build the layers backwards, unmold and serve. If layering is not your thing, don’t worry. Fill any bowl of your choice with the millet mixture in, unmold onto a serving plate, scoop beans and vegetables on top and enjoy. Your kitchen, your rules!

Timbale sprinkled with green garlic; enjoyed with tangerine soda

This is my entry to My Legume Love Affair, eighth helping. After visiting other blogs, this event is back at home this month.