Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a small grain that is native to Africa and Asia. In India, it is consumed as a staple carb in many different regions. It is particularly popular in South India, where it is used to make a wide range of dishes, from porridges and flatbreads to sweets and snacks. Ragi is also gaining popularity in other parts of the country as a healthy alternative to other grains.
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Compared to rice and wheat, ragi is a more nutritious option, as it is high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as calcium and iron. Furthermore, it possesses a low glycemic index, implying that it does not trigger a sudden surge in blood glucose levels. As a result, it can be a viable dietary choice for individuals with diabetes.
Ragi has a nutty flavor and a slightly coarse texture, which makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be consumed in different forms, such as ragi flour, whole ragi, and popped ragi flour (ragi malt). Ragi flour can be used to make flatbreads, while whole ragi is often used to make porridges and sweet dishes. Popped ragi flour is used to make snacks and is a great option for those looking for a healthy and tasty snack.
Ragi Mudde
Ragi mudde is a traditional South Indian dish that is made by cooking ragi flour with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. This dish is best served with a spicy curry or sambar. To make ragi mudde, bring water to a boil in a pan, add ragi flour, and stir continuously until it forms a ball. Serve hot with your favorite curry.
Taste: neutral, slightly nutty
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 450
Ragi Milkshake
This delicious nutty milkshake is the perfect low-calorie beverage to have between meals. To make this drink, toast ragi malt in a dry pan over a low flame until fragrant. Mix the toasted malt with milk, honey, and soaked cashews in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold over ice, and garnish with crumbled cashews to finish.
Taste: nutty and creamy
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 140
Ragi Sourdough
Ragi sourdough is a perfect alternative to regular bread and is loaded with essential nutrients. To make ragi sourdough, mix ragi flour, all-purpose flour, water, and a sourdough starter in a bowl and let it sit for several hours. Knead the dough and let it rise for a few more hours, then bake in a preheated oven. The result is a flavorful and nutritious bread that is perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Taste: tangy with a touch of nuttiness
Total Time: 14 hours
Prep Time: 1 hour
Calories per serving: 250
Ragi Idli
Ragi idli is a healthier version of the traditional South Indian breakfast dish. To make ragi idli, mix ragi flour, rice, urad dal, and water in a bowl, let it ferment overnight, and then steam the batter in idli molds. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Taste: neutral with a sour undertone
Total Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
Ragi Sharbat
Ragi sharbat is a cool and comforting drink that is perfect for the summer months. To make ragi sharbat, combine tamarind paste, cardamom, and jaggery in a glass and muddle till well combined. Top up with water and stir in a few tablespoons of ragi malt until homogenous. Serve cold with a sprinkle of ragi malt powder to finish.
Taste: Tangy, slightly nutty
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 80
Ragi Upma
Ragi upma is a quick and easy breakfast dish that is perfect for busy mornings. To make ragi upma, sauté chopped onions, urad dal, curry leaves, green chilies, and grated ginger in oil, add ragi flour and water, and cook until the mixture thickens. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top.
Taste: nutty, spicy, fragrant
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
Ragi Ladoo
Ragi ladoo is a healthy and tasty snack that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. To make ragi ladoo, roast ragi flour in a dry pan until it turns golden brown. Add jaggery, ghee, and cardamom powder to the flour and mix well. Roll the mixture into small balls and let them cool. Serve immediately.
Taste: sweet, nutty
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 375
Ragi Pasta
Ragi pasta is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular pasta. To make ragi pasta, mix ragi flour, wheat flour, and water in a bowl, knead the dough, and let it rest for several hours. Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut them into your desired shape. Cook the pasta in boiling water for a few minutes and serve with your favorite sauce.
Taste: neutral, slightly nutty
Total Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 235
Ragi Dosa
Ragi dosa is a crispy and savory South Indian breakfast dish that is easy to make. To make ragi dosa, mix ragi flour, urad dal, and rice flour in a bowl, let it ferment overnight. Grind until smooth, and then cook the batter on a non-stick pan until it turns crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.
Taste: sour, slightly nutty
Total Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 180
Ragi Bhakri
Ragi bhakri is a popular Maharashtrian flatbread that is easy to make and perfect for any meal of the day. To make ragi bhakri, mix ragi flour, salt, and water in a bowl, knead the dough, and roll it into flatbreads. Cook the flatbreads on a tawa or griddle until they turn crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite vegetable curry or chutney.
Taste: nutty, smokey
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 550
Ragi Uttapam
Ragi uttapam is a healthy and flavorful variation of the classic South Indian breakfast dish. To make ragi uttapam, mix ragi flour, urad dal, and rice flour in a bowl and let it ferment overnight. Grind until smooth, and then spread the batter on a hot non-stick pan. Add chopped onions, green chilies, tomatoes, and coriander leaves on top of the batter and cook until the bottom turns crispy and golden brown. Flip the uttapam and cook until the other side turns crispy as well. Serve hot with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
Taste: tangy, fragrant
Total Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 160
Ragi is a versatile and nutrient-dense grain that can add a healthy twist to your meals. From traditional South Indian dishes like ragi mudde and ragi idli to unique and creative recipes like ragi pasta and ragi sourdough, there are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating ragi into your diet. These 10 ragi-based recipes offer a range of flavors and textures, from the nutty and sweet taste of ragi malt to the spicy kick of ragi upma. Whether you are looking to switch up your breakfast routine, try out a new pasta dish, or indulge in a healthy snack, ragi has got you covered. So, why not give these tasty and nutritious ragi-based recipes a try and transform your meals today?