What is bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta?

Bajra flour, commonly known as pearl millet flour in English, holds a significant and historically rich place in the Indian dietary landscape. It is derived from the small, round grains of the bajra plant (Pennisetum glaucum), a drought-tolerant crop that thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. Unlike wheat, bajra is naturally gluten-free, making it an invaluable grain for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The flour, typically grayish in color, possesses a distinct nutty flavor and is widely recognized for its "heating" properties, making it a popular choice, especially during the colder winter months across various parts of India.

The cultivation of bajra in India dates back thousands of years, primarily concentrated in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, where the dry climate is conducive to its growth. This deep historical root has firmly embedded bajra flour into the traditional cuisines of these regions. It's not just a food source but a cultural staple, often associated with a wholesome, rustic, and energy-giving diet, particularly for communities engaged in strenuous physical labor.

In North India, especially in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, Bajra Roti or Bajra no Rotlo (a thicker, unleavened flatbread) is perhaps the most iconic use of bajra flour. These robust rotis are often cooked on a tava and served generously slathered with ghee (clarified butter), accompanied by hearty vegetable curries like gatte ki sabzi, garlic chutney, or Sarson da Saag (mustard greens curry) in winter. The combination provides warmth and sustained energy, making it a comforting and nutritious meal.

Moving towards Western India, particularly Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat, bajra flour is also central to dishes like Bhajani Thalipeeth, a multi-grain flatbread often incorporating bajra with other flours like jowar and besan, along with various spices and vegetables. This not only adds to its nutritional profile but also offers a diverse texture and flavor. Bajra is also used to make savory porridges (like ghugri) or even sweet dishes like laddus in some regions, showcasing its versatility beyond just flatbreads.

Across other parts of India, while not always a staple bread, bajra flour finds its way into various preparations. It can be used to make Bajra Khichdi, a wholesome one-pot meal cooked with lentils and vegetables, providing a complete nutritional profile. Its gluten-free nature has also seen its rising popularity in modern Indian kitchens, where it's being incorporated into healthier versions of common snacks, baking, and even as a base for gluten-free pancakes or porridges, moving beyond its traditional flatbread applications.

From a nutritional perspective, bajra flour is a powerhouse. It is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety (beneficial for weight management), and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for diabetics. It's also a good source of protein, essential minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc, and B vitamins. Its high magnesium content is particularly beneficial for heart health, aiding in blood pressure regulation. These numerous health benefits, combined with its ability to grow in challenging agricultural conditions, underscore why bajra flour continues to be a vital and cherished component of the Indian diet.

Also Known as

Black Millet flour, Pearl Millet flour

How to select bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta

• The quality of the bajra determines the quality of the flour and thus one should ensure that you purchase the flour from a trustworthy grocery store.

• Do check the manufacturing date and expiry date before purchasing.

Culinary Uses of bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta in Indian Cooking

• Bajra flour is combined with wheat flour or jowar flour to make bhakri, theplas, bajra na rotla and other breads.

bajra roti recipe | bajre ki roti | healthy pearl millet roti | Rajasthani bajra roti | Sajje Roti

 baked bajra chakli recipe | healthy Indian bajra murukku | kambu murukku | non fried chakli |

How to store bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta

• This flour is best used within 20 days.

• Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Nutritional Information of Bajra Flour

One cup of Bajra Flour is 130 g (which is obtained from 96 g of whole bajra), which makes 6 rotis.

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Nutritional Information for 1 cup Bajra Flour

346 Calories

11.1 grams of Protein

64.8 grams of Carbs

4.8 grams of Fat

284 mg of Phosphorus : 47.3% of RDA (about 600 mg for adult)

43.68 mcg Folate, Vitamin B9 (FA) = 43.68% of RDA (about 100 mcg)

10.84 grams of High Fiber = 43.3% of RDA (about 25 to 30 grams)

7.68 mg of Iron (Fe) = 38.4% of RDA(about 20 mg for women)

131.5 mg of Magnesium (Mg) = 37.57% of RDA (about 350 mg )

2.97 mg of Zinc = 29.7% of RDA (about 10 to 12 mg)

0.31 mg of Vitamin B1, Thiamine : 26.4% of RDA (about 1.2 to 1.5 mg)

0.24 mg of Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 = 21.8 % of RDA (about 1.1 mg)

11.1 g Protein = 20.1% of RDA (55 g)

2.2 mg of Vitamin B3, Niacin = 18.4% of RDA (about 12 mg)

294 mg of Potassium (K) :6.2% of RDA (about 4,700 mg)

126.7 mcg of Vitamin A = 5.2 % of RDA (about 2,400 mcg)

40.32 mg of Calcium (Ca) = 4.32% of RDA (about 1000 mg)

Health benefits of bajra flour, bajra ka atta, bajre ka atta

1. Bajra flour is High in Protein:

One cup of Bajra Flour makes around 4 rotis. So each Bajra Roti yields about 1.8 grams of protein which is a very good source for Vegetarian protein. This key nutrient is required to build muscle mass and nourish each and every cell of the body.

bajra roti recipe | bajre ki roti | healthy pearl millet roti | Rajasthani bajra roti | Sajje Roti

2. Bajra flour is High in Fiber :

Fiber is a key nutritent which is a best friend of your digestive system. It helps cleanse the gut and prevent constipation. It also keeps you full for long time and thus avoids binge eating and weight gain. Try this fiber rich flour for a satiating breakfast in the form of Bajra Onion Muthia.

bajra onion muthia recipe | Gujarati bajra muthiya | healthy onion bajra muthiya

3. Complete Protein for Vegetarians :

Bajra Flour forms a complete protein when combined with legumes like rajma, moong dal, urad dal, toovar dal, chana dal. This is because bajra being a cereal pairs with legumes and pulses to make up for all the 9 essential amino acids humans need.

4. Bajra flour is Gluten Free :
Great healthy option for those who are intolerant to Gluten. 

bajra aloo roti recipe | bajra aloo paratha | potato bajra paratha | masala bajra roti

 See detailed benefits of bajra flour

Glycemic Index of Bajra Flour, Black Millet Flour

Bajra flour has a Glycemic Index of 71 which is high. Glycemic Index are for foods you eat, ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they digest and raise your blood sugar or glucose levels. Foods rank from 0 to 50 are low GI, 51 to 69 are medium and 70 to 100 are high. Foods that are high in GI are not suitable for weight loss and diabetics. Foods like Bajra flour have a high GI but since its rich in Fibre which results in Bajra being healthy and suitable for a healthy lifestyle as the Glycemic Load reduces.