Team SAI (Smart Alternative Innovators) from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Anantapur campus, under the esteemed guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Meera won the First prize at the AICTE Millet Recipe Unleashing Talent (AMRUT) competition finals held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.
Organized by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with various partners AMRUT is a prestigious national initiative aimed at promoting millet-based culinary innovation across India with a focus on:
- Millet Promotion: Raising awareness of the health benefits and environmental sustainability of millet.
- Recipe Innovation: Fostering creative, nutritious millet-based recipes.
- Talent Discovery: Identifying and nurturing culinary talent nationwide.
The team, consisting of research scholars Sai Dharshini S, Alisha Pradhan, Sparsh Sumnirom Subba, and Beesetti Lohita from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, competed in two rigorous stages. In Stage 1, participants were required to propose a concept, develop a prototype, create a demonstration video on YouTube, and submit a brief report. Shortlisted teams progressed to Stage 2, which involved live cooking and a presentation at the grand finale in New Delhi.
Team SAI’s Winning Concept: Multi-Millet Muesli
Team SAI’s exceptional entry, Multi-Millet Muesli, under the Breakfast and Starters category with > 70% millet content earned widespread acclaim for its innovation, nutritional density, and appealing flavor profile. Blending millets with nuts and honey, this recipe was celebrated for its health benefits and unique taste, securing Team SAI a first-place win and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. They stood out among the 88 finalists, who were selected from an initial pool of nearly 1,298 participants in the “Millet-based Breakfast and Starters” category.
Recipe Highlights:
- Key Ingredients: Millets, nuts, honey
- Nutritional Benefits: High in dietary fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients
- Flavor Profile: Sweet and nutty with an attractive presentation
This multi-millet muesli recipe demonstrates the potential of millets in functional foods, addressing diverse dietary needs due to their low glycemic index and rich nutrient profile. By incorporating nuts and honey, the recipe offers enhanced protein and natural sweetness, making it a nutritious and appealing choice.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AICTE for this wonderful platform to showcase our innovation. We also appreciate the support of the Institute Innovation Cell, our mentors, colleagues, and all those who contributed to our success.
The AMRUT competition not only highlights the nutritional and environmental value of millets but also encourages culinary innovation and creativity. As Team SAI continues to advocate for millet-based food science, they aim to inspire others in the field and advance the discourse on sustainable, healthful eating.
