Effect of extruded finger millet on dough rheology and functional quality of pearl millet-based unleavened flatbread

Background and objectives It has been hypothesized that extrusion can improve the viscoelasticity of dough. The present study aimed to verify the potential of extruded finger millet (EF) flour in improving the rheological, technological, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of pearl millet-based composite dough and flatbread. Findings Incremental addition of EF in pearl millet (PM) composite dough caused a significant (p < .05) decrease in pasting properties of composite dough, whereas there was a significant increase in dough extensibility. The dough prepared by substituting 20% EF exhibited a higher value of the elastic share of compliance. EF significantly (p < .05) improved the puffing, textural, and nutritional quality of PM composite flatbread. Conclusion Addition of EF in PM improved the rheological and nutritional profile of flatbread. Significance and novelty Substitution of EF flour can significantly improve the technological properties, nutrition of PM-based flatbread.