Finger millet popularly known as ragi is gaining popularity globally because of its adaptability as well as rich nutrients. It is used in Southeast Asia and Africa for centuries. Ragi flour can be used to make varieties of dishes. Traditional finger millet ball is popular dish in Southern region of India. Ragi bread, buiscuits, dry papadams, rotti, bread, ragi malt drink and cereal are some of the ragi based food products. Ragi idli is breakfast item which is healthy, diabetic friendly and low in calories. Give it a try!

Ragi is rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin B and potassium. It helps overall health and supports heart and kidney. Ragi is highly recommended for diabetic condition. It helps to control bad cholesterol and soluble fiber helps to reduce heart disease. Insoluble dietary fiber in ragi is prebiotic, thus supports gut system.

Ingredients :

1. Ragi / finger millet flour -1.5 cup
2. Urad dal -1/2 cup
3. Thick poha (beaten rice) – ½ cup
4. Fenugreek seeds – ½ tsp
5. Salt – as pter taste
6. Water 2 –or 2.5 cups

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak urad dal and ½ tsp fenugreek in water overnight or minimum 6 hours.
2. Wash and soak poha in a separate container for an hour (before grinding for batter)
3. Grind urad dal and soaked beaten rice to fine paste. Add little water, continue grinding.
4. Remove the batter and add ragi /finger millet flour and salt to the batter and mix well.
5. If batter is too thick, add little more water.
6. Cover the lid and place the batter for fermentation (about 8 hours). During winter find a heat source around 70-73 C (like oven) to process fermentation of the batter.
7. Once the batter ferments well, get ready to make idlis by greasing the idli plates with oil
8. Pour fermented ragi batter into idli plates or cups
9. Steam cook ragi idli on medium heat for about 15 mins.
10. Remove steam cooked idli and serve hot with sambar, chutney or chutney powder.

Image credit: https://pixahive.com/photo/finger-millet-field/ (CC by 0) – ragi field

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/655203445795359330/  & https://www.pinterest.com/pin/455074737353406061/ (ragi idli)