These little dark red pearls called Ragi or finger millet are a packet of nutrients. A whole grain that I got to know much later in my life. Until then ears or ragi fingers used to decorate my dried flower arrangement vase for a long time.
It was only when I got to South India that I realized this nutrient gold mine. Since then it has held a highly coveted place at my dining room table. I love the earthy and rustic aroma of this powerful bean.
Health benefits;
- It is a good source of fiber in the diet.
- Ragi has a low glycemic index, which causes it to digest very slowly, which keeps blood sugar levels constant. Ragi is certainly a boon for people suffering from diabetes.
- Ragi is rich in many minerals such as thiamine, iron, and calcium.
- It serves as a good laxative for constipation.
- Ragi is high in carbohydrates and low in fat, which can help control obesity.
- Ragi malt can be a good substitute for people with milk allergies.
Careful Ways to Include Ragi in Your Diet;
- The ragi can be ground and used for baking and making puddings.
- Oatmeal porridge made with Ragi powder is a very healthy refreshing breakfast.
- Soups and vegetable broths can be prepared with Ragi flour.
- Many Indian desserts like Halwa and Barfi can be made with Ragi.
- Idlis and Dosas of Ragi flour is a nutritious breakfast.
- Mix Ragi flour with whole wheat flour and make flatbreads or Indian breads.
- Sprout the ragi grains and use them in your salads.
- Ragi Puttu, a traditional and healthy recipe, is a great addition to food.
A quick ragi dessert
It is a fairly simple and healthy dessert made with ragi flour. The process involves making the Ragi Puttu first and then preparing the next recipe. Instructions for ingredients and method are given in Steamed Rice Cake.
Alternatively, you can steam Ragi flour in any container if you don’t have the Puttu machine. Put the crumbled ragi flour in a small bowl and keep it in a pressure cooker with a little water and unmold it for 4-5 minutes. Take it out and go on to make dessert.
Ingredients;
- 1 cup steamed ragi flour
- 1/2 cup of grated coconut
- 1/2 cup Jaggery sugar / powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 3-4 teaspoons of crushed almonds
Method: Take the steamed Ragi flour and mix it with the rest of the ingredients. Serve it hot.