Navratri 2022: Here’s Why Rajgira Is A Superfood
Image Credit: Rajgira Ladoos

Navratri comes with a lot of enthusiasm and people have been celebrating it in full swing. A large section of people fast during these nine days; thus, it is essential to fulfill the body's nutritional needs. Some may have a conception that fasting is starving but NO! You are wrong. One doesn’t need to fast but rather have a healthy diet. This could be why food items like sabudana, buckwheat flour, and rajgira are recommended for consumption during Navratri. 

A few days before Navratri, I saw my mom making rajgira ladoos and this was for a reason. When we talk of healthy fasting, we cannot forget about mentioning Amarnath grains also known as rajgira, chaulai, and ramdana. This grain has many health benefits, making it a superfood and perfect for the fasting season. Rajgira is quite similar to quinoa and oats and is much more nutritional than you had ever thought. Let us have a detailed look at some of its health benefits. 

Boosts Immunity 

Loaded with vitamin C, Amarnath grains help in repairing and increasing the production of white blood cells. It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and zinc and is thus considered beneficial during fasts. 

Helps In Eradicating Anemia 

Since Amarnath or rajgira grains are packed with minerals, they can help in eradicating anemia. It also contains vitamin B and vitamin K and gives beneficial results. This is the reason why rajgira ladoos are recommended for malnourished children. 

Keeps Blood Sugar Level In Check 

Amarnath or rajgira grains can help in keeping the blood sugar level in order. They can help in reducing insulin levels and maintaining blood sugar balance. Thus, rajgira is a superfood for everybody including diabetics. 

Since we have praised rajgira so much, it wouldn’t be fair if we don’t tell you the recipe of rajgira ladoos that you can have this Navratri. So, without wasting any time further, let us get to the recipe quickly. You may thank us later! 

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup rajgira 
  • 1 cup jaggery 
  • 3 tsp ghee 
  • 2 tbsp raisins 
  • 2 tbsp cashew or almonds

Method 

  • Take a heavy-bottomed pan and add 1 tsp rajgira grains. 
  • Roast them while stirring continuously. 
  • When you see the rajgira seeds swell up, take down the flame. 
  • Repeat the process with the entire rajgira grains. 
  • Sieve the roasted rajgira in a sieve. 
  • The rajgira which were not puffed will come down through the sieve. You can separate them and use puffed rajgira to make ladoos. 
  • Take jaggery and chop. Also, chop cashews or almonds. Break off the stalks of raisins and wipe them with a cloth. 
  • Take a pan and add ghee to the pan. 
  • Add jaggery after the ghee melts and add water. Let the jaggery melt. 
  • Cook it for around 1 to 2 minutes. 
  • Sieve the syrup and mix it in the rajgira. 
  • Add nuts and mix everything well. The mixture for making laddus is ready. 
  • Make laddus from the hot mixture while applying some water to your hands and moistening them. 
  • Repeat the process and let the rajgira laddus remain like that for 3 to 4 hours.