11 Best Ragi Recipes | Easy Ragi Recipes

Ragi Recipes- Ragi is a wonderful ingredient that was lost as the popularity of wheat and rice grew. One of the forgotten ancient millets, ragi is slowly resurfacing as the latest desi superfood. The grain which was once considered as 'coarse' during the colonial times is now renowned nutritionally. A rich source of calcium, protein and iron, these deep red pearls definitely deserve some more love. Ragi really is very small that it cannot be polished all that much, which means it basically retains all the good stuff. It is gluten free, cheap and easily accessible making it a great option for anyone. Ragi has thirty times as much calcium as rice, more then ten times as much fibe and the nutrients in these millets are easily absorbable.

India is the world's largest producer of ragi grain, yet its use has been largely dismissed in most urban households. One reason could be that many people are not aware about the amazing health benefits that it offers. Or let's just say most people may know that it's healthy but how?

This natural wonder is one of the best sources of calcium. It is recommended for people suffering with a Vitamin D deficiency. A powerhouse of nutrients, ragi helps relieve stress and anxiety and is a great remedy for gastro-intestinal problems. It is packed with fiber and is digested slowly. This keeps you full for longer, makes you less hungry and aids weight loss. Fiber is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps lower blood sugar levels in the body.

Ragi is often included in a new mother's diet as it improves haemoglobin levels. It is also fed to infants and is one of the healthiest baby foods. The calcium and amino acids in ragi help in tissue repair, improve body metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol. This humble grain is also gluten free and a great alternative for those suffering with Celiac disease.

Tips and Tricks To Buy Ragi | How To Buy Ragi 

While purchasing ragi, make sure the package is sealed without any evidence of moisture. It stays fresh if stored in an air-tight container and placed in a dry and cool place. It is available as grains or in flour form.

Ragi is immensely versatile. From breads to bakes, ragi flour complements almost every recipe.

Now that you have enough reasons to embrace ragi, we bring you our 11 best recipes that present this humble millet in a whole new avatar.

1.  Ragi Wheat Bread

For those who love bread, this recipe will be your life-long companion. Crisp bread made with healthy ingredients like ragi, yogurt, wheat, gur and spinach.  

_{Crisp and delicious ragi bread} 

2.  Ragi Malpua

A healthy version of one of the most popular Indian desserts, this one is made with ragi flour, whole wheat and oats.

_{The traditional recipe for malpua uses refined flour.}

3. Ragi Cookies

Cookies get a healthy makeover! Dark brown crisps with the goodness of ragi. They taste great and your kids will never know. (Recipe Video)

_{Calcium rich cookies with the goodness of ragi and cane sugar.}

4. Ragi Roti

A whole Indian bread for your everyday meals. Stuff with carrots, sesame seeds and spices, ragi roti is a healthy as well as delicious Indian bread to prepare for a meal.

_{You can serve Ragi roti with chutney, dahi or pickle.}

5. Ragi Oats Ladoo

Now, a sweet treat that's healthy too! Make it with ragi flour, oats flour, dates and honey and then wrap these small rounds in ground sesame seeds and coconut flour.

_{Coated with sesame seeds and coconut this ladoo recipe is perfect for a combination of healthy and delicious.}

6. Ragi Wheat Dosa

A great brunch option, this ragi wheat dosa is filling and wholesome and will keep your hunger pangs in place.

_{Healthy dosas to relish for breakfast or lunch.}

7. Ragi Mudde

A simple yet satisfying dish. Ragi mudde are dainty roundels that are served best with sambar.

_{Ragi mudde are little balls that you can serve for snacks.}

8. Baked Ragi Chakli

Made with healthy ragi flour, this baked chakli or murukku is great snack to pair with a cup of tea.The name murukku is derived from a Tamil word which actually means 'twisted' that refers to the shape of this salty, savory snack.

_{Enjoy the delicious chakli with a hot cup of tea on a rainy day.}

9. Ragi Cutlet

Cutlets are one of the easiest recipes to make. You can probably throw in a variety of masalas and veggies, and crispy cutlets will be ready in no time. So, if just reading about this delight makes you hungry for some- the ragi cutlets are a must-try recipe!

10. Ragi Khichdi

Giving a twist to traditional khichdi and making it more winter-appropriate, here is a recipe of ragi khichdi that involves various other nutritious ingredients like moong dal, rice and some seasonings like cumin seeds, garam masala and more.

11. Ragi Pancakes

A delicious pancake made with ragi flour, and stuffed with a delicately spiced filling of sausages, baby corns, button mushrooms and red bell peppers. It is topped with a fresh yoghurt dip spiked with garlic and black pepper. The perfect start to the morning!

Try out these recipes and let us know how you liked them in the comments below.