Ragi, or finger millet, is a popular superfood with many health benefits. Calcium, iron, and fiber make this gluten-free grain perfect for weight loss. Ragi is versatile and healthful. Try these 5 delectable ragi meals to lose weight.
Ragi Idli
Idlis are a popular Indian breakfast, and this ragi variety is healthier than rice. Ragi idlis need urad dal, spices, and flour. Grinding urad dal into a homogenous batter after soaking for hours. Ragi flour and water should be combined into a thick batter in a separate basin before adding to urad dal batter. Add salt to batter and ferment overnight. Steam batter in idli moulds for 10-12 minutes the next morning. Serve healthful and flavorful ragi idlis with coconut chutney or sambar.
Ragi Dosa
Another South Indian dish, dosa, is unhealthy and carb-rich. Using ragi flour instead of rice and lentils makes this meal healthier. A smooth batter of equal parts ragi flour, rice flour, and water forms ragi dosa. Let ferment for 8 hours. Adjust batter consistency with salt and water after fermentation. Place a ladleful of batter in a hot pan in a circle and fry for a few seconds. Cook for another minute after flipping. Serve chutney or sambar with crispy, healthy ragi dosa.
Ragi-Upma
Most families consume semolina or sooji upma for breakfast. But, you can replace sooji with ragi flour to make this recipe healthier. Ragi upma is made using mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves in oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent after mustard seeds splutter. Simmer carrots, peas, and bell peppers until tender. Add ragi flour to pan. Boil upma for a few minutes with water until thick. Sprinkle salt and coriander before serving.
Ragi Khichdi
Ragi khichdi is pleasant and healthy, thus many Indians eat it. Pressure cooker ragi khichdi contains ghee, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf. After cracking, sauté chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste till golden brown. Add diced potatoes, carrots, peas, turmeric, coriander, and red chilli powder.
After vegetables are cooked, add washed ragi, moong dal, and water to the stove. Pressure cook grains for 3–4 whistles. Serve hot with pickle or yoghurt.
Ragi Ladoo
Who says dieters can’t eat sweets? Ragi ladoos are healthier than ghee-laden or sweet ones. Ragi ladoos are produced by dry roasting ragi flour till brown and nutty. Mix toasted flour with ghee, jaggery, and cardamom. Wait a few minutes to chill mixture. Form balls from the ingredients to make guilt-free ragi ladoos after cooling.
