Ragi roti

How to Make Ragi Roti | Ragi Roti Recipe

Written by: Anamika Singh

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Published on

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Time to read 6 min

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Key Takeaways

  • Ragi roti is a traditional Indian flatbread made from finger millet (nachni), a time-tested grain known for its role in balanced and wholesome diets.
  • Naturally gluten-free and more nutrient-dense than wheat, ragi roti is rich in calcium, fiber, and iron, supporting bone health, digestion, and steady energy levels.
  • Making ragi roti at home is simple but technique-driven, requiring warm water, minimal kneading, and gentle patting instead of rolling to achieve soft, crack-free rotis.
  • Ragi roti offers multiple health benefits, including better blood sugar control, improved satiety for weight management, and added support for hair and overall nutrition.
  • Ragi rotis are versatile and practical, pairing well with everyday curries and dals, storing well for short periods, and easily transforming into creative leftover dishes.

Today, ragi roti is not just a healthy alternative in many homes. It’s a reminder of the fact that traditional ingredients and comfort foods often hold the best answers to modern dietary needs. If you are curious about what ragi roti is, how to prepare it at home, and why it deserves a place on your plate, this guide is for you!

What is Ragi Roti?

Ragi roti is a traditional Indian flatbread made using ragi flour, water, and mild seasonings. Ragi, also known as finger millet or nachni, is a gluten-free grain that has been consumed for centuries, especially in South India.

Unlike wheat roti, ragi flour roti is darker in color, slightly earthy in flavor, and more nutrient-dense. They are naturally rich in calcium, fiber, and iron. No wonder, they are a popular choice for people looking to eat clean, manage weight, or maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

How to Make Ragi Roti

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ragi flour
  • Warm water (as needed)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon oil (optional)
  • Finely chopped onions, green chilies, or coriander (optional)

Ragi Roti Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide to Make Easy Ragi Roti

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, add ragi flour and salt. Gradually pour in warm water and mix using your fingers or a spoon. You can add chopped green chillies, onions, and coriander to enhance the flavor. Ragi flour doesn’t behave like wheat, so kneading is minimal. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Shape the Roti

Place a ball of dough between two sheets of parchment paper or on a greased surface. Gently pat it into a round, thin disc using your fingers.

Step 3: Cook the Roti

Heat a pan on medium flame. Carefully transfer the ragi roti onto the pan and cook until bubbles appear. Flip and cook the other side until both sides are well-cooked.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Brush lightly with oil if desired and serve hot.

Tips to Make Perfect Ragi Roti

Making soft, crack-free ragi rotis takes a little know-how, especially since ragi flour behaves differently from wheat. These simple, practical tips help you get the texture, taste, and cooking right every time:

  • Kneading Know-How: Ragi dough needs warmth. Always use warm water to avoid cracks.
  • Rolling Finesse: Patting with fingers works better than rolling pins.
  • Puffing Reality: Ragi rotis may not puff like wheat rotis, and that’s completely normal.
  • Time and Effort: Freshly made ragi rotis taste best, so cook them just before serving.

Leftover Ragi Roti Recipes

Leftover rotis don’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, they can turn into delicious new meals.

  • Leftover Ragi Roti Papad Chaat

    Tear rotis into pieces, crisp them lightly, and top with yogurt, chutneys, onions, and spices.

  • Leftover Ragi Mudda Roti

    Mash leftover rotis with cooked lentils and spices for a protein-rich dish.

  • Leftover Ragi Roti Barfi

    Crumbled rotis mixed with jaggery, nuts, and ghee make a wholesome sweet.

  • Roti Upma

    Chop rotis and sauté with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables.

  • Roti Ladoo (Sweet Balls)

    Blend powdered ragi roti with dates or jaggery and shape into laddoos.

Health Benefits of Ragi Roti (Nachni Roti aka Finger Millet Roti)

The benefits of eating ragi roti go far beyond basic nutrition:

  • Diabetes Management: Thanks to its slow-digesting carbohydrates, ragi roti's glycemic index is low. Thus, it is suitable for people managing blood sugar levels.
  • Calcium Boost: Abundant in calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
  • High-fibre + Weight Management: Its fiber content aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer, helping with weight management. 
  • Hair Health: Rich in essential amino acids, it promotes hair growth and prevents hair fall.

How Many Calories Does Ragi Roti Have?

The calories in ragi roti depend on size and preparation, but on average, one medium ragi roti contains about 120-130 calories. It also offers a decent amount of ragi roti protein, making it more filling than refined flour alternatives.

How to Store or Freeze Ragi Rotis

Ragi flour should be stored in an airtight container away from moisture. Cooked rotis can be refrigerated for 1-2 days or frozen with parchment paper between layers. Reheat gently in a pan before serving.

What to Eat or Serve With Ragi Roti

Ragi roti pairs well with:

  • Vegetable curries
  • Lentil-based dals
  • Yogurt or plant-based curd
  • Chutneys and lightly spiced gravies

These combinations help balance nutrition and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ragi roti gluten-free?

Yes, ragi roti is indeed gluten-free. There are many other gluten-free rotis, and ragi is one of them. It's crafted from ragi flour, which is naturally devoid of gluten. This makes it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add wheat flour to make ragi roti?

You technically can, but there's a catch. When you mix wheat flour with ragi flour, you are altering the gluten-free nature of ragi roti. If you are trying to avoid gluten, it's best to stick with 100% ragi flour.

Are ragi rotis vegan?

Absolutely! Traditional ragi rotis are vegan-friendly. They are made using ragi flour, water, and, if you like, some seasonings. No animal products sneak their way into the preparation.

Can we eat ragi roti at night?

Certainly! Ragi roti can be a wholesome addition to your evening meal. Its slow-release carbohydrates can help stave off midnight hunger pangs, keeping you satisfied throughout the night.

Can we eat ragi roti daily?

You sure can. In fact, including ragi roti in your daily diet is a great idea. It brings a treasure trove of nutrients and health benefits to your plate.

Does ragi roti help in weight loss?

Ragi roti's claim to fame in the weight loss department lies in its high fiber content. This fiber promotes a sense of fullness, which can be quite handy when you are aiming to manage your weight. Just remember, it works best as part of a balanced diet.

Is ragi better than rice?

Ragi and rice each bring their own set of nutritional perks to the table. Ragi shines with its higher protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, whether ragi or rice is better for you depends on your individual preferences and dietary needs. Both can find a place in a healthy diet, so the choice is yours.

How to make ragi roti soft?

To make ragi roti soft, always use warm water while mixing the dough, as it helps the flour bind better and prevents cracks. Cook the roti on medium heat and avoid overcooking, as excessive heat can make it dry and hard.

Is ragi roti better than wheat?

Ragi roti is a better option for people looking for a gluten-free alternative or higher mineral content, especially calcium and iron. However, whole wheat roti can also be healthy, so the better choice depends on dietary needs and portion control.

Other Rotis to Explore

If Roti is something you enjoy, we encourage you to go through some other Roti variations that you might also enjoy:

Ragi Roti Recipe Card

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Servings:

4

Cuisine:

Indian

Course:

Main

Ingredients

Ragi flour, water, salt

Instructions

  1. Mix ragi flour and salt with warm water to form a soft dough.
  2. Divide the dough and gently pat each portion into a round roti.
  3. Cook in a heated pan, flipping once, until both sides are done.
  4. Serve hot with curry, dal, or yogurt.

Nutrition Info for 1 Medium Ragi Roti

Calories:

150–170 kcal

Carbohydrates:

26–28 g

Protein:

3–4 g

Fat:

2–3 g

Fiber:

4–5 g

Iron:

~3 mg

Calcium:

~120 mg

(Approximate values, made with finger millet flour, onions, and minimal oil)

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