Ragi Recipes | Ragi Benefits

Collection of 9 Ragi Recipes – Ragi is a wonder millet grain and is also known as finger millet or red millet. These small reddish colored round grains are commonly consumed in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India. In Marathi language, these grains are called as ‘Nachni’ and in Hindi language they are known as ‘Mandua’.

Many recipes can be made with ragi like bhakri or roti (flat breads), idli, vada, dosa, pudding, porridge, papad. Both ragi millet (the entire grain) or ragi flour can be used to make variety of recipes.

Ragi is an ancient grain. Ragi or finger millet first originated in south africa and came to India in the hallur district of Karnataka around 2000 BCE. Now Karnataka is one of the top producers of ragi. In south Karnataka, especially in rural areas, ragi is a staple food. Here ragi is usually consumed as ragi balls known as ragi mudde. Ragi mudde is also commonly made in Andhra Pradesh – source Wikipedia.

To make ragi mudde, ragi flour is cooked with some water and then shaped in balls. Ragi mudde is served along with any sambar, saaru or any curry or gravy. I have not yet shared the recipe of ragi mudde, but I will add in some time. Ragi rotti (flatbread) is yet another preparation that is made in northern Karnataka.

In Maharashtra with ragi some well known dishes that are made are – nachni ladoo, nachni bhakri and nachni papad. Ragi porridge (also known as ragi malt) made with milk/water and sugar or jaggery is one of the commonly made dishes that is fed to infants, kids and people recovering from illnesses.

Few Health Benefits Of Ragi

1. Ragi is rich in calcium. 100 grams of ragi contains approximate 350 mg of calcium. women should have a good amount of calcium in the diet as with age and deficiency of calcium, the bones become porous and causes problems. So its good for women to include ragi in their meals. Ragi is also good for growing up kids.
2. Ragi is also rich in proteins. Thus extremely good for vegans and vegetarians.
3. Ragi is also a good source of iron. So beneficial for people having anaemia.
4. Ragi also has some essential amino acids which are required by the body. Ragi is easily digestible and very nutritious.
5. Ragi is cooling in nature, so best had during summers or hot seasons.

In this post, I am sharing ragi recipes I have already posted on blog. As I add more ragi recipes, I will update this ragi recipes collection post.

Ragi Recipes Collection

1. Ragi Dosa – This 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 ragi dosa. In this post I share two ways to make these dosa.

• Instant Ragi Dosa – These are crispy, no-grind dosa made with ragi flour, seasonings, rice flour and curd. A handy recipe and great at times when you want to make a quick breakfast or snack.
• Fermented Version – This is again a healthy version of dosa that is made with a ground fermented ragi and rice batter similar to the way the traditional dosa is made.

2. Raggi Mudde – These are healthy balls made from finger millet flour and water. They are a delicacy and a staple food mainly in Karnataka and in some parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. These delicious and nutritious balls could be considered the original “protein bites,”.

3. Ragi Malt – It is a healthy breakfast drink made with ragi flour or sprouted ragi flour, water or milk as the liquids and sweeteners like jaggery or sugar. This ragi malt recipe gives you a flavorful beverage and is made quickly.

Nuts, dry fruits and flavorings of your choice can be added. I always add cardamom powder and a few almonds or cashews.

4. Ragi Roti – These rustic and healthy Indian flatbreads are made with ragi and whole wheat flour. This is one of the easiest and best ways to use ragi. This recipe is similar to the way Phulka or Jowar Bhakri are made. You can serve them with any sabzi, stir fry, dal or legumes curry. 

5. Ragi Laddu – This quick, easy and healthy ladoo variety is made with just three ingredients – ragi, jaggery and ghee. They stay good for a week at room temperature in a cool climate. In a hot or humid climate, refrigerate them.

6. Ragi Idli – These nutritious and delicious idli variety are made with finger millet flour, idli rice and urad dal. Gluten-free, Vegan and Gut Friendly. You can enjoy them with sambar and coconut chutney for a filling breakfast or brunch.

7. Ragi Halwa – A sweet dessert made from ragi flour, ghee, sugar, milk and cardamom powder. Ghee gives a lovely aroma and flavor. Milk gives a good taste.

Ragi halwa is a healthy sweet for toddlers and kids. I have added some dry fruits too, but they are optional and you can skip them if you don’t like or you can add them as per your preference.

8. Ragi Kheer – a simple, quick pudding like sweet made with ragi flour, sugar, milk, ghee and cardamom powder. This kheer recipe is easy and can be made in less than 30 minutes. You can even skip adding dry fruits and nuts if you want.

9. Thalipeeth Recipe – Thalipeeth is a spiced multigrain flat bread made with various flours. Thalipeeth makes for a healthy, tasty and nutritious breakfast or snack. Thalipeeth is made with a mix of flours. Ragi flour can be added in thalipeeth along with the various other flours.

This Ragi Recipes post from the archives (April 2018) has been republished and updated on 25 September 2021.