Kuthiraivali in English is barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea), written குதிரைவாலி in Tamil. It is a tiny, white, quick-cooking grain that turns soft and slightly sticky, much like rice. In North India it is known as sama, samak rice or sanwa and is a common fasting (vrat) food.
It is one of the fastest millets to cook, about 12 to 15 minutes, which makes it a good everyday swap for white rice.
What is kuthiraivali like to eat?
Mild, soft and a little creamy. It works well for curd rice, pongal, kichadi and payasam. As an unpolished whole grain it keeps more of its bran than polished white rice.
That is the honest version: it is a good grain to swap in for some of your white rice, not a medicine. If you are managing a health condition, talk to your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet. Start with one millet meal a day and drink enough water; a sudden switch to millets at every meal is the most common reason people say millets "don't suit" them.
How to cook kuthiraivali
- Wash 1 cup kuthiraivali 3 to 4 times.
- Soak 20 to 30 minutes.
- Water ratio: 1 cup to 2½ cups water for rice-style, 1 to 3½ for pongal or curd rice.
- Pressure cook 2 whistles, or simmer covered for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Rest 5 minutes, then fluff.
Easy kuthiraivali recipes
- Kuthiraivali curd rice: cook soft, cool, mix with curd and temper with mustard, ginger and curry leaves.
- Kuthiraivali pongal: 1 cup millet, ¼ cup moong dal, 3½ cups water; ghee, pepper and jeeragam tempering.
- Kuthiraivali payasam: cook in milk until soft and sweeten with palm jaggery and cardamom.
- Kuthiraivali kichadi: with vegetables, 3 cups water to 1 cup millet.
Quick options: Aval Combo – Jowar, Kuthiraivali and Kodo (750g, ₹399) for flakes, and Barnyard Millet Cookies (90g, ₹35) for snacks. More in 5 Easy Millet Recipes You Can Cook in Under 30 Minutes.
How to buy good kuthiraivali
- Choose unpolished. Expect an off-white to light cream colour with small, even grains.
- Check it is clean and dry. Good grain smells mild and fresh. Avoid grain that smells musty or looks damp or clumped.
- Store it airtight in a cool, dry place and use within 3 to 4 months of opening.
Buy Thinai Barnyard Millet (Kuthiraivali) 500g for ₹99, or browse all our unpolished millets. Buying in Tamil Nadu? See Where to Buy Millets in Chennai. Other names are on our Tamil grocery names in English page.
Frequently asked questions
What is kuthiraivali called in English?
Barnyard millet. In Hindi it is sanwa, sama or jhangora, and in Telugu udalu.
Is kuthiraivali the same as samak rice?
Yes. Samak or sama rice, used during Navratri and other fasts, is barnyard millet.
Is kuthiraivali the same as samai?
No. Samai is little millet. Both are small and soft, but they are different grains.
How long does kuthiraivali take to cook?
About 12 to 15 minutes, or 2 whistles in a pressure cooker after a short soak.
Can children eat kuthiraivali?
Yes, as part of family meals. Its soft texture suits curd rice and payasam.