When it comes to healthy eating, many of us look for ingredients that are not only nutritious but also versatile and easy to incorporate into our daily meals. One such ingredient is ragi, also known as finger millet, which has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. Rich in fiber, protein, and various essential minerals, ragi is an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a satisfying snack, ragi recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious ragi recipes that are not only healthy but also mouth-watering. From traditional Indian dishes like dosas and idlis to modern twists like cookies and pizza, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of ragi recipes!
Ragi Dosa with Coconut Chutney
Start your day with a traditional South Indian treat – Ragi Dosa, a crispy and flavorful rice-based crepe made with finger millet flour. Pair it with a creamy and tangy Coconut Chutney for a perfect combination.
Ingredients:
For the Ragi Dosa:
– 2 cups ragi (finger millet) flour
– 1/2 cup rice flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
For the Coconut Chutney:
– 1 cup grated coconut
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1/4 cup coriander leaves
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– Salt, to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Mix Ragi Dosa ingredients with lukewarm water to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in a ladle of the batter.
3. Cook for 30 seconds or until the edges start to curl, then flip and cook for another 15-20 seconds.
4. Repeat with remaining batter.
For Coconut Chutney:
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Serve with Ragi Dosa.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including preparation)
Ragi Roti with Mint Chutney
Ragi roti is a popular South Indian flatbread made from finger millet (ragi) flour. When paired with a cool and tangy mint chutney, this combination becomes a perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients:
For Ragi Roti:
– 2 cups ragi flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon oil
– Water, as needed
For Mint Chutney:
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup green chilies
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt, to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Mix ragi flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Divide into 6-8 portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
4. Cook on a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.
5. For Mint Chutney: Blend all ingredients together with some water to form a smooth paste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including preparation time)
Ragi Porridge with Jaggery
This traditional Ragi porridge, made with finger millet and jaggery, is a popular breakfast option in Indian households. The combination of nutty ragi and sweet jaggery creates a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi (finger millet)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup jaggery powder or grated fresh jaggery
– A pinch of salt
– Ghee or oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the ragi and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and grind the ragi into a fine paste using a blender or grinder.
3. Boil the ground ragi with 2 cups of fresh water, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
4. Add jaggery powder or grated jaggery to the porridge and stir well.
5. Season with a pinch of salt.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a pat of ghee or oil if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ragi Idli with Sambar
Ragi Idli with Sambar: A Nutritious and Flavorful Breakfast Option
This recipe combines the health benefits of ragi (finger millet) idlis with the tangy flavor of sambar, a popular South Indian accompaniment.
Ingredients:
For Ragi Idli:
– 2 cups ragi flour
– 1/2 cup rice flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup lukewarm water
For Sambar:
– 1 cup split red gram (mung dal)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon sambar powder
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the idli batter by mixing together ragi flour, rice flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water and mix until smooth.
2. Steam the idlis using a steamer or an idli maker according to package instructions.
3. For the sambar, pressure cook the mung dal with 1 cup of water until mushy. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and tomato until soft.
4. Add sambar powder, salt, and cooked dal to the pan and mix well. Add 2 cups of water and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve the steamed idlis with hot sambar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Ragi Cookies with Almonds
These crunchy cookies are a perfect combination of ragi (ragi flour) and almonds, making them a great snack or dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 egg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ragi flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly mixture.
4. Stir in chopped almonds and egg until well combined.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ragi Pancakes with Honey
Start your day with a healthy twist on traditional pancakes using ragi (finger millet) flour, rich in fiber and minerals. These sweet and wholesome pancakes are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ghee or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together ragi flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt and egg until smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a thick batter forms.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with ghee or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip and cook for another minute. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 pancakes (depending on size)
Ragi Ladoo with Nuts
A traditional Indian sweet treat, Ragi Ladoos are a perfect blend of healthy and delicious. Made with ragi (finger millet) flour, nuts, and jaggery, these ladoos make for a great snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup ghee
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup grated jaggery
– Pinch of cardamom powder
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ragi flour and roast until fragrant, stirring constantly (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Add the chopped nuts, grated jaggery, and cardamom powder to the cooled mixture.
5. Mix well to combine.
6. Gradually add water as needed to form a dough.
7. Shape into small balls or ladoos.
8. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (roasting time)
Ragi Upma with Vegetables
Ragi upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made with ragi (finger millet) flour, vegetables, and spices. This recipe is a variation of the traditional upma, adding some colorful vegetables to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 small potato, peeled and diced
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee or oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and diced potato. Saute until the vegetables are tender.
3. Gradually add the ragi flour to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, adding water as needed to achieve a thick porridge-like consistency.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ragi Cake with Chocolate Frosting
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of ragi (finger millet) with the richness of chocolate, creating a moist and decadent cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ragi flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and baking powder. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with melted chocolate, softened butter, honey, and powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Ragi Soup with Herbs
A comforting and nutritious soup made with ragi (finger millet), an excellent source of fiber, iron, and calcium.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Herbs of your choice (e.g., mint, basil, or parsley), chopped
Instructions:
1. Rinse the ragi and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and grind the soaked ragi into a smooth paste using a blender or grinder.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add 2 cups of water to the pan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the ragi paste and adjust salt to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ragi Pasta with Creamy Sauce
A creative twist on traditional pasta, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of ragi (finger millet) flour with a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 250g ragi pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook ragi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Pour in cream; stir to combine with the mushroom mixture. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked ragi pasta and creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ragi Puttu with Banana
Ragi puttu is a traditional South Indian dish made from ragi (finger millet) flour, and when paired with ripe banana, it becomes a perfect breakfast combination. This simple recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the ragi flour and water to form a dough.
2. Heat a puttu maker or a non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Grease the puttu maker or pan with a little ghee or oil.
4. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a cylindrical shape.
5. Place the ragi puttu in the puttu maker or pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it is slightly puffed up.
6. Serve the ragi puttu with sliced banana on top and a sprinkle of salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ragi Halwa with Cardamom
A classic South Indian dessert, Ragi Halwa is a creamy and comforting treat made with ragi (finger millet) flour and flavored with cardamom. This recipe yields a smooth and aromatic pudding that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
– Sugar or jaggery to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the ragi flour and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the water and grind the ragi into a smooth paste using a blender or grinder.
3. Heat the ghee or oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the ground ragi paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the halwa has reached your desired consistency.
6. If desired, add sugar or jaggery to taste and mix well.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Ragi Malt with Milk
Ragi Malt is a traditional Indian drink made from finger millet (ragi) flour, milk, and sugar. This comforting beverage is perfect for any time of the day, providing a boost of energy and nutrition.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons ragi flour
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the ragi flour and a splash of milk until smooth paste forms.
2. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the ragi paste to the hot milk and whisk continuously for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and add sugar and salt. Stir well.
5. Pour into a glass and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your comforting and nutritious Ragi Malt with Milk!
Ragi Chips with Spices
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this flavorful and crispy ragi chip recipe, perfect for a quick snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite dips.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ragi (finger millet) flour
– 1/4 cup besan (gram flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon amchur powder (dried mango powder)
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for some heat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together ragi flour, besan, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add oil, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala powder, amchur powder, and red chili powder (if using). Mix well.
4. Gradually add water to form a dough, dividing it into 2-3 equal portions.
5. Roll out each portion into thin sheets and cut into desired shapes (e.g., strips or small squares).
6. Place the chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ragi Bread with Seeds
Ragi bread, made with ragi (finger millet) flour, is a nutritious and flavorful option for those looking to add some whole grain goodness to their diet. This recipe adds an extra layer of nutrition by incorporating seeds, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, lukewarm water, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
3. Add sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped coriander (if using) to the dough. Mix well.
4. Shape the dough into a round or oblong shape.
5. Place the shaped bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ragi Smoothie with Fruits
Boost your day with a nutritious and delicious ragi smoothie packed with the goodness of fruits!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi (finger millet) powder
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ragi powder, yogurt, and milk.
2. Add honey and blend until well combined.
3. Add sliced banana and mixed berries to the blender.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
6. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Serve: Pour into glasses and serve immediately. You can garnish with additional fruits or nuts, if desired. Enjoy your nutritious ragi smoothie!
Ragi Pizza with Veggies
Elevate your pizza game with this innovative recipe that combines the nutritional benefits of ragi (finger millet) with the flavors of roasted vegetables. This unique pizza is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ragi flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup lukewarm water
– 1/2 cup roasted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions)
– 1/4 cup pizza sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add olive oil and lukewarm water to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
5. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Top with roasted vegetables and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover 18 delicious recipes that incorporate ragi, a nutritious and versatile ingredient. From breakfast options like Ragi Dosa with Coconut Chutney and Ragi Porridge with Jaggery to sweet treats like Ragi Cookies with Almonds and Ragi Ladoo with Nuts, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find savory dishes such as Ragi Roti with Mint Chutney, Ragi Idli with Sambar, and Ragi Upma with Vegetables. Plus, get creative with sweet indulgences like Ragi Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ragi Chips with Spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these ragi recipes are sure to inspire healthy living.
Leave a Reply