What is Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda?

Ponk, as it is popularly known in Surat, India and surrounding areas is a variety of roasted millet available only in this part of the world. Ponk is usually available only during colder winter months, from November through February. Peak season is December and January. This dry millet is then roasted under charcoal and are beaten out from the soft shelling..The farmers encash the crop and ponk sells at Rs 200 per kilo!!

Boiled ponk seeds are one of the simplest uses. The small, corneous grains are normally desired for this type of food product and then made into porridge with water or milk.

Ponk flour- The whole grain may be ground into flour or decorticated before grinding to produce either a fine particle product or flour, which is then used in various traditional foods. The flour may be ground coarsely or finely, depending on individual preference and recipe requirement.

How to select Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda
Ponk is delivered from the area around of Hazira to local stalls in Surat city. Ponk should be green in color and soft as a gelatinous dessert. The ponk grains should be clean, dust free and without any infestations or foul odor.

Culinary uses of Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda
The people throng to Surat to eat freshly taken out ''ponk'' , tender Jowar cereal shed by beating the grass that has it like wheat or rice. This is mixed with fresh hot lemon pepper sev fried and it tastes great.
Here is a Healthy Ponk Snack, which requires no cooking. Just toss the tender seeds with a few seasonings and a dash of lemon juice, and you have a mouth-watering snack that none can resist.
One interesting way to cook ponk is as ponk bhajiyas. The ponk is mixed into a batter with besan and seasonings and deep-fried till crisp.
Here is a Ponk Chila, which is very different from the regular besan chila that you usually make. The addition of ponk gives it a very nice, succulent mouth-feel.
You can also use the ponk for making pullav, vadas and soups.

How to store Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda
Store ponk in an airtight container and keep it in a cool and dry place.

Health benefits of Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda
• Ponk is commonly eaten with the hull, which retains the majority of the nutrients.
• The plant is very high in fiber with a fairly high protein level as well.
• The fiber in it will help in the slow release of sugar in the blood and also help control cholesterol levels.
• Ponk is gluten-free, an attractive alternative for wheat allergy sufferers.
• It also is packed with a few minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

Glycemic Index
High( above 70)

What is Ponk, Ponkh, Hurda?

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