Barnyard Millet Rice | Udalu • Bhagar • Samak • Samo

🪔 The Millet You May Already Know by Another Name

Searching for Bhagar, Samak Rice, Samo, Vrat Rice or Upwas Rice?

Meet Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) — a traditional Indian small millet known as Udalu in Telugu, Oodalu in Kannada, Kuthiraivali in Tamil, Bhagar in Maharashtra, Samak/Sanwa in North India, Samo/Moriyo in Gujarat and Jhangora in Uttarakhand.

Its mild flavour and small grain make it easy to cook as a rice-style meal, khichdi, pulao, pongal, upma or kheer.

🌾 Different names. Different traditions. One millet.

🌾 Know Your Barnyard Millet

English: Barnyard Millet
Botanical Name: Echinochloa frumentacea
Telugu: Udalu / Kodisama
Tamil: Kuthiraivali
Kannada: Oodalu
Hindi: Samak / Sanwa / Shyamak
Maharashtra: Bhagar / Sawa
Gujarat: Samo / Moriyo
Uttarakhand: Jhangora

🪔 Bhagar, Vrat & Upwas Connection

Barnyard Millet has an important place in traditional fasting foods across parts of India.

That is why you may find it searched or sold as:

Bhagar • Samak Rice • Samo • Vrat Rice • Vrat ke Chawal • Upwas Rice • Upvas Rice

Despite names such as “Samak Rice” or “Vrat Rice”, Barnyard Millet is a millet, not rice.

🙏 Vrat and Ekadashi food practices vary by region, family and religious tradition. Follow the practices observed in your household or sampradaya.

🍚 Why Try Barnyard Millet?

🌾 Traditional Indian Grain — Part of regional food cultures across India.

🍚 Easy to Use — Its mild flavour works well with familiar Indian meals.

🔄 More Grain Diversity — Rotate it with Foxtail, Little, Kodo and other millets.

👩🍳 Versatile — Enjoy it in both savoury meals and traditional sweet preparations.

👩🍳 How to Cook

1️⃣ Rinse: Wash thoroughly 2–3 times.

2️⃣ Soak: Soak 6-8 hours before cooking for a softer, more even texture.

3️⃣ Cook: Use approximately 1 cup Barnyard Millet : 2–2.5 cups water. Pressure cook or cook covered until soft.

4️⃣ Rest: Keep covered for a few minutes, then gently fluff.

💡 Add more water if you prefer a softer texture for khichdi, pongal or curd-millet preparations.

🍽️ What Can You Make?

🍚 Barnyard Millet Rice
🥣 Khichdi / Pongal
🥕 Vegetable Upma
🍋 Lemon Millet
🌿 Millet Pulao
🥛 Curd Millet
🪔 Bhagar / Samak Vrat Preparations*
🍮 Jhangora Kheer / Payasam

*Use ingredients appropriate to your fasting tradition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barnyard Millet the same as Bhagar?

Bhagar is a regional name commonly associated with Barnyard Millet, particularly in Maharashtra.

Is Barnyard Millet the same as Samak Rice?

Samak / Samak Rice is a commonly used North Indian name for Barnyard Millet. Despite the name, it is not ordinary rice.

What is Barnyard Millet called in Telugu?

It is known as Udalu / Kodisama.

What is Barnyard Millet called in Tamil?

It is known as Kuthiraivali.

What is Jhangora?

Jhangora is a regional name for Barnyard Millet in Uttarakhand and is traditionally used in dishes such as kheer.

Is Barnyard Millet only for fasting?

No. Although associated with fasting foods in some regions, it can be enjoyed throughout the year in rice-style meals, khichdi, pulao, pongal, upma and desserts.

Can Barnyard Millet replace rice?

It can be cooked and served in a rice-style format with dal, sambar, curries and vegetables, while retaining its own distinctive taste and texture.

🛒 From Vrat Food to Everyday Food

You might know it as Udalu, Bhagar, Samak, Samo or Jhangora.

However you discovered it, Barnyard Millet is an easy way to bring another traditional Indian grain into your kitchen.

🌾 Make room for more grains on your plate.

Adithi Millets — Millets for Millions.