Five Traditional Ragi Recipes

Ragi, or Finger Millet has long been a staple diet for many Indians since time immemorial, and is primarly grown and consumed in the states of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra and Goa today. Ragi flour is made into flatbreads, and in turn conjured into meals for all times of the day.

Such Ragi recipes are hundreds in number, and we present to you five traditional samples that constitute a wholesome breakfast to millions of Indians everyday.

1. Ragi Mudde

Ragi mudde is a top-of-the-class vegetarian food, and has many health benefits, being said to prevent and control diabetes over time. Moreover, it is a perfect Breakfast dish as it prevents hunger pangs through the day, aids in weight loss and works as a great body coolant. Farmers use this food often for breakfast and lunch, as it gives them enough strength and stamina to work in the fields for long hours.

It is typically prepared by boiling a cup of water, adding salt in it to taste, after which Ragi is mixed in a similar cup of cold water. The dissolved solution is slowly added into the boiling water, stirring with a strong ladle. This mixture is in turn whisked until the dough becomes smooth and soft without lumps. The resultant consistency upon reduction of the flame is semi solid, like wheat dough and is usually morphed into its spherical shape by hand and put into the middle of a plate, with Sambhar or Chutney as a suitable accompaniment. It's a healthy, filling snack that will keep hunger pangs at bay for several hours at a time.

2. Ragi Porridge

Ragi porridge, often referred to as Ragi kanji is a wholesome beverage that takes just a few minutes to make. You will need a quarter cup of Ragi, a cup of milk, one tablespoon of jaggery and other accompaniments such as dates, walnuts or almonds to taste. Almonds are first soaked in hot water for ten minutes, the skin removed and chopped. The dates and walnuts follow, being turned into bite sized pieces.

Ragi is cooked on a medium flame with water, being stirred continuously. When the mixture starts to thicken, milk and jaggery are added, bringing it to a boil whilst stirring continuously. The prepared dates, walnuts and almonds are added to it, and the Ragi Porridge is ready!

3. Ragi Idli

To make five Ragi Idlis for Breakfast, you will need half a cup of Urad Dal having been soaked in water for 2 to 3 hours, 1 cup of Cream of Rice, a cup of Ragi flour, and salt to taste. The cream of rice is soaked for an hour before mixing with the Urad dal batter. After a couple hours, drain out the water and grind to a smooth paste, adding a cup of water. At this stage, the Ragi flour is added and mixed well until they are well combined. This mixture is placed in a warm place for 8-10 hours to let the Idli mixture ferment, and the resulting paste can be used to concoct delicious Idlis using Idli plates and a pressure cooker.

4. Ragi Dosa

Ragi Dosas are one of South India's most popular breakfast offerings. To make a handful, ragi flour is first sprouted in a bowl or pan, and dessicated coconut, curd and salt is then added to it. This is followed by water, and everything is mixed well. The batter should be slightly thinner than the regular dosa batter and should be kept covered for a good half hour. 

On a medium hot tawa, this batter is then poured out and with the help of a ladle, is spread out slowly. Oil, butter and ghee is sprinkled over its top, and in a few minutes, the Ragi Dosa is ready!

5. Ragi Roti

Ragi Roti requires half a cup of Ragi, one and a half tablespoons of finely chopped spring onion whites and greens each, some grated carrot, curd and green chilli paste, with salt to taste. All these ingredients are combined in a bowl and kneaded into soft-smooth dough, using enough water. This is then divided into four equal portions, and rolled out again into a circle using whole wheat flour. The Roti is then placed on a non-stick pan and turned over in a few seconds. The other side is then cooked for a few more seconds, and this is repeated to make as many Rotis as needed.

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