Ragi Puttu-Finger Millet (Kezhvaragu) Puttu Recipe-Finger Millet Recipes

Finger millet is know as Ragi in Kannada and Hindi, kezhvaragu or keppai in Tamil, ragulu in Telugu and koovaragu in Malayalam. It is a highly nutritious millet. Ragi is an excellent source of calcium (i.e.)about 10 times that of rice or wheat. Consumption of Ragi can reduce the risks of fractures and osteoporosis to a considerable extent. Ragi is also a rich source of fiber and helps lower cholesterol level. Fiber in ragi give you a feeling of fullness which thereby reduces excess appetite and helps to control weight gain. So it is considered one of the best food for weight control. It is  gluten-free food and also cools the body. The iron content in ragi is considered useful for anemic patients. I feel that we should not neglect this tiny millet which has so many health benefits to offer. Ragi puttu is nothing but steamed ragi flour mixed with grated coconut and jaggery/sugar. Today we will learn how to prepare finger millet puttu following this easy recipe.

How to make Ragi Puttu 

Prep time - under 5 mins
Cook time -under 30 mins
Serves -1

Ingredients needed

Finger millet flour/ragi flour - 1/2 cup
Water - 4 tbsp
Salt - a generous pinch
Palm jaggery - 1/4 cup or jaggery or sugar (1/4 cup or as needed)
Ghee -1/2 tsp

For garnishing

Fresh grated coconut

Method 

Take ragi flour in a soft cotton cloth, fold it with the flour inside and steam for 10-12 minutes or until you get a nice aroma of steamed ragi flour.

Look at the steamed flour below. In a plate, spread the steamed ragi flour, add salt and mix well.

Add water, 1 tbsp at a time and mix well or rub the flour well with your fingers. The flour should have a slightly crumbled texture as shown below. Do not add too much water. I added only 4 tbsp of water for 1/2 cup of ragi flour.(See to it that there are no lumps). If required, you can put it in the mixie and blend for just 2 seconds.

Heat water in a steamer or idli cooker/pan and steam the crumbled flour again for 15 minutes. Look at the second picture below, the flour is well cooked.

Now add grated jaggery (or palm jaggery or sugar), ghee, grated coconut and mix well. Delicious ragi puttu is ready. It is very delicious, nutritious and also very filling. This dish can be had as a breakfast or as a snack. (as we are having it for its health benefits, it is advisable to avoid sugar which is not good for our health). Do try it and give me your feedback.

Go ahead and buy a packet of organic ragi flour (available in all health and organic stores) and enjoys its numerous health benefits. Live a happy and healthy life! This can also be given to children as snacks after they return from school. While giving to kids, start with very less quantity and if it suits her/him increase gradually.