Panivaragu in English is proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), written பனிவரகு in Tamil and also spelt pani varagu. It is a small, round, pale-yellow grain that cooks soft in about 15 minutes. Use it like rice, or for pongal, kichadi and sweet dishes.
It is not the same as varagu, which is kodo millet, a firmer, browner grain. See Varagu in English: Kodo Millet for the difference between varagu, panivaragu and kezhvaragu.
What is panivaragu like to eat?
Mild and slightly sweet, with a soft texture once cooked. As an unpolished whole grain it keeps its bran, so it carries more fibre 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 panivaragu
- Wash 1 cup panivaragu 3 to 4 times.
- Soak 30 minutes.
- Water ratio: 1 cup to 2½ cups water for rice-style, 1 to 3½ for pongal.
- Pressure cook 2 to 3 whistles, or simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
- Rest 5 minutes, then fluff.
Easy panivaragu recipes
- Panivaragu sadam: with sambar, rasam or poriyal, like rice.
- Panivaragu sakkarai pongal: cook soft with moong dal and stir in melted jaggery, ghee, cardamom and cashews.
- Panivaragu kichadi: with vegetables and a ghee tempering.
- Panivaragu lemon or tamarind rice: use cooled, cooked grain.
More ideas in 5 Easy Millet Recipes You Can Cook in Under 30 Minutes, and our Multi-Millet Sevai (180g, ₹40) for quick breakfasts.
How to buy good panivaragu
- Choose unpolished. Expect a pale golden-yellow grain; dull and slightly uneven is normal.
- 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 Pani Varagu (Proso Millet) 500g for ₹99, or browse all our unpolished millets. Other names are on our Tamil grocery names in English page.
Frequently asked questions
What is panivaragu called in English?
Proso millet. In Hindi it is barri or chena, and in Telugu variga.
Is panivaragu the same as varagu?
No. Varagu is kodo millet. Panivaragu is proso millet: smaller, rounder, paler and softer.
Do I need to soak panivaragu?
A 30 minute soak gives the softest result, but a good wash is enough if you are short of time.
Can I use panivaragu for sweets?
Yes. Its mild, slightly sweet taste suits sakkarai pongal and payasam.