Wonder Grain Ragi or Finger Millet and a Dessert – Ragi Puttu
These tiny deep red pearls called Ragi or finger millet are bundle of nutrients. A whole grain which I came to know about much later in life. Until then the cobs or the fingers of ragi used to decorate my vase of dry flower arrangement for long 🙂
It was only when I came to the South of India I became aware of these goldmine of nutrients. From then on it has occupied a much coveted place on my dinning table. I love the earthy and rustic aroma of this mighty grain.
Health Benefits;
- It is a good source of fiber in diet.
- Ragi has low Glycemic Index which makes it digest very slowly thus keeping the blood sugar levels constant. Ragi is surely 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 rich in carbohydrate and low in fat, which can help control obesity.
- Ragi malt can be a good substitute for people suffering from milk allergies.
Prudent ways to include Ragi in diet;
- Ragi can be ground and use in baking and making puddings.
- Porridge made with Ragi powder is very healthy refreshing breakfast.
- Soups, and vegetable broth can be prepared using Ragi flour.
- Many Indian desserts such as Halwa and Barfi can be made with Ragi.
- Idlis and Dosas of Ragi flour is a nourishing breakfast.
- Mix Ragi flour with whole-wheat flour and make chapattis or Indian breads.
- Sprout the ragi grains and use them in your salads.
- Ragi Puttu a traditional a healthy recipe is a great addition to the meal.
Ragi for Dessert
This is a quite simple and healthy dessert made with ragi flour. The process involves making the Ragi Puttu first and then preparing the following recipe. The instructions for ingredients and method is given in Steamed Rice Cake.
Alternatively you can steam the Ragi flour in any vessel if you do not have the Puttu maker. Put the crumbled ragi flour in a small bowl and keep it inside a pressure cooker with a little water and stem it for 4-5 minutes. Take it out and proceed further to make the dessert.
Ingredients;
- 1 cup of steamed Ragi flour
- 1/2 cup of grated coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar/Jaggery powder
- 1/2 tsp. of cardamom powder
- 3-4 tsp. of crushed Almonds
Method: Take the steamed Ragi flour and mix it with rest of the ingredients. Serve it hot.
very nice.Being a south indian,i make ragi puttu and ragi dosa.
never ever had ragi…dint know u cud make desserts with it
What an informative post about Ragi.
Would love to try n bake something with it.
Thanks for this amazing post.
Cheers,
The Variable, Crazy Over Desserts – Nachiketa
Catch me on facebook @ Crazy Over Desserts
wow!! never knew that we could prepare dessert out of ragi
I’ve never heard of ragi before so this information was really interesting for me! It sounds like such a healthy and versatile ingredient I would love to cook with it! The dessert looks super yummy! 🙂
hey this is real cool..had never heard abt ragi till my daughter got married in chennai……but this post is soooo very NUTRITIOUS..like both the versions…savoury n sweet!
plz let us know abt ragi dosa!!!!
thnx:)
Hi,
you have a good collection of recipes,i love your recipes.
kanthi
http://myworld-kitchen.blogspot.com
This is the first time I am hearing about Ragi. It sounds like something I should see if they carry in my neck of the woods. I think your dessert would be delicious for breakfast too.
I love ragi puttu much, such a nutritious dish..looks yummy..
healthy dessert, thanks for the information
A very useful info!!! yummy Puttu!!!
Its been ages I had ragi…My aunty is expert with this sweet, Your pic’s took my days to India 🙂
As a kids I never ate Raagi just because my Mom used to make only the savoury dishes. I would love to have this Ragi dessert even for my breakfast.
Sanjeeta…I use millet all the time…however, not quite this ‘Ragi’ that you speak of. I still also have to start experimenting with millet flour.
Thanks for all this great info…I’ll have to put this reddish grain on my shopping list ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
That is such a lovely dessert! A healthy combination. Interesting!
Cheers,
Rosa
Finger millet flour is sold in health food stores and in whole food chain In USA,they are refined and so it needs a lot of spices and herbs to elevate the taste. can be used in muffins pancakes and flat breads here. recipes are galore on line and on the package. try this. Used for diabetic patients to lower sugar level,
[…] dosas, but never ever thought of using it in cakes and cookies in place of all-purpose flour, but somebody did think about using it and have successfully used it in a cake and cookie. I recently got […]
Leave your response!
Make your mornings cook-free!
Join us on other social media..
Categories
Archives
Get the latest recipes in your mail…
Search by Tags…
Some Healthy Bites!
Most Commented
Healthy Bites!
Recent Comments