Indian cuisine has a rich tradition of using ancient grains that are healthy, filling, and have been part of our diets for generations. Among these, millets have gained renewed attention both in India and around the world for their many health benefits. One such millet is ragi, also known as finger millet or red millet. In this post, I’m sharing a collection of Ragi Recipes along with the health benefits of ragi that you may find helpful.
About Ragi or Finger Millet
Ragi is a wonder grain, small round in shape with a reddish color and commonly consumed in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India. In Marathi language, this millet is called as ‘nachni’ and in Hindi language it is known as ‘mandua.’
As I mentioned earlier, ragi (finger millet) is an ancient grain. It originally came from South Africa and later spread to India. Evidence of its presence was found at the Hallur archaeological site in Karnataka’s Haveri district, dating back to around 2000 BCE.
Even today, Karnataka remains one of the leading producers of ragi. In South Karnataka, especially in rural regions, finger millet continues to be a staple part of the daily diet.
Here, ragi is usually consumed as savory and soft ragi balls known as Ragi Mudde. Ragi Mudde is also commonly made in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
There are many Ragi Benefits that are known to us. This protein-packed grain is rich in calcium too and helps reduce blood glucose levels.
Apart from this, there are more reasons as to why one must include finger millet in their diets. I have mentioned these in the following sections.
Indian cuisine is also known to have many Ragi Recipes that are popular in different regions across the country. A variety of recipes that can be easily made with finger millet include flatbreads like bhakri or roti, idli, vada, dosa, pudding, porridge, papad, etc.
Both ragi millet or ragi flour can be used to make a variety of recipes. Ragi Rotti (flatbread) is a classic preparation made in northern Karnataka.
In Maharashtra, some well-known Ragi Recipes are nachni ladoo, nachni bhakri and nachni papad. Ragi porridge, also called Ragi Malt, is a common dish often prepared with milk or water and sweetened with sugar or jaggery. It is usually given to infants, young children, and people recovering from illnesses.
Here, in addition to the Ragi Benefits, I have shared a list of some of the Ragi Recipes from my blog. Most of these recipes are simple, yet delicious and for that reason, you must try them all.
Health Benefits of Ragi
As I mentioned earlier, ragi or finger millet is an excellent source of protein and calcium. It’s especially important for women to include enough calcium in their diet, as a deficiency over time can make the bones porous and lead to health issues.
So, ragi is definitely a great choice for women and they must include it in their meals. Finger millet is also good for growing up kids and a great plant-protein source for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Other than this, here are some more Ragi Benefits that you must know:
- Ragi is a good source of iron; so, beneficial for people having anaemia
- This grain has some essential amino acids which are important for the human body; ragi is also easily digestible and very nutritious
- The best time to consume finger millet is during summers or hot seasons as this grain is cooling in nature.
Ragi Recipes
Ragi Dosa
Ragi Dosa is a healthy variant of dosa or crepes that can be made with either ragi seeds or ragi flour. There are various ways to make a ragi dosa, out of which, there is an Instant Ragi Dosa which is a no-grind dosa and Fermented Ragi Dosa made with a ground fermented ragi-rice batter similar to the way the traditional Dosa is made.
Ragi Mudde
Ragi Mudde are simple and healthy balls made with finger millet flour and water. They are a staple food in Karnataka and also enjoyed in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. These nutritious balls can be seen as one of the original forms of ‘protein bites.’
Ragi Malt
Ragi Malt is a healthy breakfast drink made with ragi flour (or sprouted ragi flour), water or milk, and sweeteners like jaggery or sugar. You can also add nuts, dry fruits, and flavorings as per your taste. I usually add cardamom powder along with a few almonds or cashews. This easy recipe gives you a flavorful drink that comes together quickly.
Ragi Roti
Ragi Roti is a rustic and hearty Indian flatbread made with ragi and whole wheat flour (atta). This is one of the easiest and best ways to use ragi. This recipe is similar to the way Roti or Jowar Roti is made. You can serve it with any sabzi, stir fry, dal or legumes curry.
Ragi Laddu
Ragi Laddu is a quick, easy and healthy ladoo variant made with just 3 ingredients – ragi, jaggery and Ghee (clarified butter). These ladoos keep well for a week at room temperature in a cool climate. In a hot or humid climate, refrigerate these.
Ragi Idli
Ragi Idli are wholesome and delicious idli variety made with finger millet flour, idli rice and Urad Dal. Gluten-free, vegan and gut-friendly. You can enjoy these with Sambar and Coconut Chutney for a filling breakfast or brunch.
Ragi Halwa
Ragi Halwa is a variation of Suji Halwa. It is an Indian halwa variant made with ragi flour, ghee, sugar, milk and cardamom powder. Ghee gives a lovely aroma and flavor. Milk gives a lovely taste. This halwa is a healthy sweet dish for toddlers and kids too.
Ragi Kheer
Ragi Kheer is a simple, quick pudding like sweet dish made with ragi flour, sugar, milk, ghee and cardamom powder. This recipe is easy and can be made in less than 30 minutes.
Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a spiced multigrain flatbread made with a mix of flours from Maharashtrian cuisine. It makes for a tasty and wholesome breakfast or snack. Ragi flour can be added in a Thalipeeth along with various other flours.
Ragi Recipes collection from the blog archives was first published on April 2018.
