Wholesome Delights: Creative Recipes to Make with Ragi Flour

Ragi flour, made from the nutrient-dense finger millet, is a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in calcium, fiber, and essential amino acids, ragi flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious and wholesome dishes. Here are some creative recipes to make with ragi flour that will add a nutritious twist to your meals.

1. Ragi Dosa: A Nutritious Breakfast Delight
Ingredients:
●    1 cup ragi flour
●    1/4 cup rice flour
●    1/4 cup semolina (rava)
●    1/2 cup yogurt
●    1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
●    1 green chili, finely chopped
●    A handful of coriander leaves, chopped
●    Salt to taste
●    Water as needed
●    Oil for cooking
Instructions:
1.    Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, rice flour, semolina, and yogurt. Add cumin seeds, chopped green chili, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter of pouring consistency. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
2.    Cook the Dosa: Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the tawa and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin dosa. Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
3.    Serve: Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for a nutritious breakfast.

2. Ragi Roti: A Healthy Indian Bread
Ingredients:
●    1 cup ragi flour
●    1/4 cup whole wheat flour
●    1/4 cup finely chopped onions
●    1/4 cup grated carrots
●    1 green chili, finely chopped
●    A handful of coriander leaves, chopped
●    Salt to taste
●    Water as needed
●    Ghee or oil for cooking
Instructions:
1.    Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine ragi flour, whole wheat flour, chopped onions, grated carrots, green chili, coriander leaves, and salt. Gradually add water to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
2.    Roll the Rotis: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it and roll it out into a circle using a rolling pin, dusting with a little dry flour if needed.
3.    Cook the Rotis: Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat. Cook each roti until golden brown spots appear on both sides, applying a little ghee or oil as needed.
4.    Serve: Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or your favorite curry.

3. Ragi Porridge: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal
Ingredients:
●    1/2 cup ragi flour
●    2 cups water
●    1 cup milk (or almond milk)
●    2 tablespoons jaggery (or honey)
●    A pinch of cardamom powder
●    Chopped nuts and fruits for garnish
Instructions:
1.    Prepare the Porridge: In a saucepan, mix ragi flour with water to form a smooth mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
2.    Add Milk and Sweetener: Once the mixture thickens, add milk and continue to cook, stirring continuously. Add jaggery and cardamom powder, and mix well.
3.    Finish and Serve: Cook until the porridge reaches the desired consistency. Pour into bowls and garnish with chopped nuts and fruits. Serve warm for a comforting and nutritious meal.

4. Ragi Cookies: A Healthy Snack
Ingredients:
●    1 cup ragi flour
●    1/2 cup whole wheat flour
●    1/2 cup jaggery powder
●    1/4 cup ghee or butter
●    1 teaspoon baking powder
●    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
●    A pinch of salt
●    2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions:
1.    Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together ghee (or butter) and jaggery powder until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well. In another bowl, combine ragi flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.

2.    Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well. Add milk as needed to form a soft dough.

3.    Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Shape the dough into small balls, flatten them slightly, and place them on the baking tray.

4.    Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.

5.    Serve: Enjoy these healthy ragi cookies with a cup of tea or as a nutritious snack.

Conclusion
Ragi flour is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you're making a savory ragi dosa for breakfast, a wholesome ragi roti for lunch, a comforting ragi porridge, or healthy ragi cookies for a snack, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and provide a nutritious boost. Embrace the goodness of ragi flour in your kitchen and enjoy these wholesome delights!