These tiny dark red pearls called Ragi or finger millet are a package of nutrients. A whole grain that I got to know much later in life. Until then ragi ears or 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 gold mine of nutrients. It has held a highly coveted spot on my dining room table ever since. I love the earthy, 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 makes it digest very slowly, keeping blood sugar levels constant. Ragi is surely a boon for people suffering from diabetes.
• Ragi is rich in many minerals like 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 who suffer from milk allergies.

Cautious ways to include Ragi in the diet;

• Ragi can be ground up and used for baking and making puddings.
• Porridge made with Ragi powder is a very healthy refreshing breakfast.
• Vegetable soups and broths can be prepared with Ragi flour.
• Many Indian desserts like Halwa and Barfi can be made with Ragi.
• Ragi Meal Idlis and Dosas are a nutritious breakfast.
• Mix Ragi flour with whole wheat flour and make chapattis or Indian breads.
• Sprout ragi beans and use them in your salads.
• Ragi Puttu has a traditional healthy recipe that is a great addition to the meal.

A Quick Ragi Dessert

This is quite a simple and healthy dessert made from ragi flour. The process involves first making the Ragi Puttu and then preparing the following recipe. Instructions for ingredients and method are given in Steamed Rice Cake.

Alternatively, you can steam the Ragi flour in any container if you don’t 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 remove it for 4-5 minutes. Take it out and continue to make dessert.

Ingredients;

• 1 cup steamed Ragi flour
• 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar/jaggery
• 1/2 teaspoon 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.