Ragi Recipes | Healthy Finger Millet Recipes

Here are some healthy and tasty breakfast options to kickstart your day:

1. Ragi Dosa

   This is one of the most popular ragi recipes. It’s a crisp, earthy dosa that feels light but keeps you full for hours.

   Ingredients

   • cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup rice flour
   • Salt to taste
   • ½ tsp cumin seeds
   • 1½-2 cups water
   • Oil for cooking

   How to Make

   1. In a bowl, combine ragi flour, rice flour, salt, and cumin seeds.
   2. Slowly add water while whisking to form a thin, lump-free batter. Ragi thickens quickly, so adjust the water gradually.
   3. Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes so the flour hydrates fully.
   4. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it.
   5. Pour a ladle of batter in the center and spread gently in circular motions.
   6. Drizzle oil around the edges and cook until the base turns crisp.
   7. Flip, cook briefly, and serve hot with chutney or sambar.

2. Ragi Idli

   These are soft, steamed idlis that are gentle on digestion.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup fermented idli batter
   • ½ cup ragi flour
   • Salt to taste

   How to Make

   1. Add ragi flour and salt to the idli batter and mix until smooth.
   2. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
   3. Lightly grease idli molds and pour batter.
   4. Steam for 10-12 minutes.
   5. Cool slightly before removing. Serve warm.

3. Ragi Upma

   This ragi flour recipe is warm, filling, and perfect for busy mornings.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • 1 onion, chopped
   • 1 carrot, chopped
   • ½ tsp mustard seeds
   • Curry leaves
   • Salt to taste
   • 2½ cups water

   How to Make

   1. Dry roast ragi flour on low heat until aromatic. Set aside.
   2. Heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
   3. Sauté onion until soft; add vegetables.
   4. Pour water and salt, bring to a boil.
   5. Reduce the heat and slowly stir in ragi flour.
   6. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
   7. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

4. Ragi Pancakes

   Here comes a soft and mildly sweet ragi recipe for kids.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup milk or plant milk
   • 2 tbsp jaggery powder
   • ½ tsp baking powder

   How to Make

   1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
   2. Add milk gradually to form a smooth batter.
   3. Rest for 10 minutes.
   4. Cook small pancakes on a greased pan until golden on both sides.

5. Ragi Uttapam (New)

   Check out this ragi flour recipe for breakfast to make healthy, thick, hearty, and loaded uttapam with veggies. 

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup rice flour
   • Chopped onion, tomato, chili
   • Salt
   • Water

   How to Make

   1. Mix flours, salt, and water to make a thick batter.
   2. Rest 20 minutes.
   3. Pour batter into a hot pan, top with vegetables.
   4. Cook covered, flip once, and serve.

One of the major benefits of ragi flour is that it is naturally gluten-free. It’s an ideal addition to your main meals if you are watching your blood sugar levels or just want to feel lighter on your stomach after a full meal.

1. Ragi Roti / Nachni Roti

   Ragi roti is the ultimate traditional, gluten-free flatbread loved across South India. 

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • Salt
   • Warm water
   • 1 tsp oil (optional)

   How to Make

   1. Mix flour and salt.
   2. Add warm water to form soft dough.
   3. Divide and pat into rotis.
   4. Cook on medium heat until done on both sides.
   5. Serve hot.

2. Ragi Mudde (Ragi Balls)

   This recipe for ragi flour is traditional and deeply nourishing.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • 2 cups water
   • Salt

   How to Make

   1. Boil water with salt.
   2. Slowly add ragi flour while stirring.
   3. Stir until thick and glossy.
   4. Cover and cook on low heat.
   5. Shape into balls using wet hands.

3. Ragi Vegetable Paratha

   Who doesn’t love a fluffy paratha? Here’s a healthy version of this hearty dish.

   Ingredients

   • ¾ cup ragi flour
   • ¼ cup wheat flour
   • Grated vegetables
   • Salt, spices
   • Water

   How to Make

   1. Mix all ingredients.
   2. Knead into soft dough.
   3. Roll into parathas.
   4. Cook with minimal oil until golden.

4. Ragi Rice / Ragi Millet Rice

   Here’s an easy ragi recipe, which can be a perfect fit for lunch and dinner.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi millet
   • 2½ cups water
   • Salt

   How to Make

   1. Wash and soak millet for 30 minutes.
   2. Cook with water until soft.
   3. Fluff and serve.

5. Ragi Khichdi

   A traditional khichdi is healthy, but a protein and iron-rich ragi recipe for dinner can make this one-pot meal healthier.

   Ingredients

   • ½ cup ragi grains
   • ¼ cup moong dal
   • Vegetables
   • Salt, turmeric

   How to Make

   1. Drain the soaked ragi and add it to a pressure cooker with moong dal, vegetables, turmeric, salt, and water.
   2. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles until the ragi and dal are soft and well-cooked.
   3. Once pressure releases, stir well and adjust water for a porridge-like consistency.
   4. Serve hot with a drizzle of ghee.

These snacks prove that healthy ragi recipes don’t have to be boring. They can be crunchy, comforting, and perfect for quick cravings using ragi flour.

1. Ragi Pakoda

   A crispy tea-time favorite, this pakoda is one of the most loved easy recipes with ragi flour.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
   • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
   • Salt to taste
   • Red chili powder and cumin (optional)
   • Water, as needed
   • Oil for deep frying

   How to Make

   1. Add ragi flour, onions, chilies, salt, and spices to a bowl and mix well.
   2. Slowly add water to make a thick, sticky batter that coats the onions well.
   3. Heat oil on medium heat and drop small spoonfuls of batter into the oil.
   4. Fry until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.
   5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney.

2. Ragi Murukku / Chakli

   This crunchy spiral snack is a classic ragi dish recipe with a healthier twist.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup rice flour
   • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
   • Salt and spices (cumin, chili powder)
   • Water, as needed

   How to Make

   1. Combine ragi flour, rice flour, butter, salt, and spices in a bowl.
   2. Add water gradually and knead into a smooth, firm dough.
   3. Transfer dough to a chakli press and shape spirals on parchment paper.
   4. Fry in medium-hot oil or bake until crisp and evenly cooked.
   5. Cool completely before storing.

3. Ragi Cutlet

   These pan-fried cutlets are filling and ideal for ragi flour recipes for weight loss when shallow-fried.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup cooked ragi
   • 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
   • ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
   • Salt and spices
   • Oil for shallow frying

   How to Make

   1. Mix cooked ragi, potatoes, vegetables, salt, and spices until well combined.
   2. Shape the mixture into small patties.
   3. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry until both sides turn golden brown.
   4. Serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt dip.

4. Ragi Crackers

   These baked crackers are light, crisp, and perfect as instant ragi recipes for guilt-free snacking.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Salt and dried herbs
   • Water, as needed

   How to Make

   1. Mix ragi flour, salt, herbs, and olive oil in a bowl.
   2. Add water and knead into a stiff dough.
   3. Roll the dough thin, cut into desired shapes, and place on a baking tray.
   4. Bake at 180°C (350°F) until crisp and lightly browned.

5. Ragi Cookies

   These mildly sweet cookies make ragi-friendly desserts feel indulgent yet wholesome.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup butter
   • ½ cup powdered jaggery
   • ½ teaspoon baking powder

   How to Make

   1. Cream butter and jaggery until light and smooth.
   2. Add ragi flour and baking powder to form a soft dough.
   3. Shape into small cookies and place on a baking tray.
   4. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes. Cool before serving.

6. Ragi Muffins

   Soft, moist, and comforting, these muffins are great quick ragi recipes for breakfast or snacks.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ½ cup milk or plant milk
   • ½ cup jaggery
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder

   How to Make

   1. Mix ragi flour, baking powder, and jaggery in a bowl.
   2. Add milk and mix gently to form a smooth batter.
   3. Pour into muffin cups and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
   4. Cool slightly before serving.

These desserts show how ragi powder recipes can be both nourishing and satisfying.

1. Ragi Ladoo

   A traditional no-fuss sweet that’s rich, filling, and naturally energizing.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ¾ cup powdered jaggery
   • 2-3 tablespoons ghee

   How to Make

   1. Dry roast ragi flour on low heat until aromatic.
   2. Add jaggery and ghee, mixing well.
   3. Shape into laddoos while warm and allow to cool.

2. Ragi Halwa

   This glossy dessert is comforting and perfect for festive occasions.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • ¾ cup jaggery syrup
   • 3 tablespoons ghee
   • Chopped dry fruits (optional)

   How to Make

   1. Roast ragi flour in ghee on low heat until fragrant.
   2. Slowly add jaggery syrup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
   3. Cook until thick, glossy, and well combined.
   4. Season with chopped dry fruits if you prefer.

3. Ragi Sweet Paniyaram

   Soft inside and lightly crisp outside, these are great bite-sized treats.

   Ingredients

   • Fermented ragi batter
   • Jaggery
   • Cardamom powder

   How to Make

   1. Sweeten the ragi batter with jaggery and cardamom.
   2. Pour into a greased paniyaram pan.
   3. Cook until golden on all sides.

4. Ragi Kheer

   A soothing dessert that doubles as a warm and sweet ragi flour soup recipe for comfort days.

   Ingredients

   • 2 tablespoons ragi flour
   • 2 cups milk
   • Jaggery to taste

   How to Make

   1. Mix ragi flour with water to remove lumps and cook until thick.
   2. Add milk and jaggery, stirring continuously.
   3. Simmer gently and serve warm.

5. Ragi Banana Cake

   Naturally sweet and moist, this cake is perfect for kids and adults alike.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup ragi flour
   • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda

   How to Make

   1. Mash bananas until smooth and mix with ragi flour.
   2. Add baking soda and mix gently.
   3. Bake until firm and a toothpick comes out clean.

These drinks are ideal healthy ragi recipes for digestion, energy, and hydration.

1. Ragi Malt / Ragi Porridge

   A comforting drink often recommended in ragi flour recipes for weight loss.

   Ingredients

   • 2 tablespoons ragi flour
   • Water or milk

   How to Make

   1. Mix ragi flour with water to remove lumps.
   2. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until thick.
   3. Serve warm, sweet, or savory.

2. Ragi Ambali

   Ragi ambali is a fermented drink known for gut health and cooling properties.

   Ingredients

   • Ragi flour
   • Water
   • Salt

   How to Make

   1. Cook ragi flour with water until thick.
   2. Let it ferment overnight at room temperature.
   3. Dilute with water, add salt, and drink chilled or at room temperature.

3. Ragi Smoothie

   A modern, refreshing take on traditional ragi.

   Ingredients

   • Cooked ragi
   • Fruits of choice
   • Milk or plant milk

   How to Make

   1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
   2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   3. Serve chilled for a nutritious boost.

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With these ragi recipes, you can enjoy finger millet in every form, from breakfasts to desserts, without sacrificing taste or comfort. When cooking becomes easier, eating better naturally follows.