Ragi Idli Recipe
Looking for a nutritious and delicious breakfast option? Try Ragi Idli, a wholesome South Indian dish made with finger millet (ragi), urad dal, and a touch of rice. These soft and fluffy idlis are rich in calcium, fiber, and iron, making them perfect for a guilt-free start to your day.
Whether you’re trying to include more millets in your diet or just want a healthy alternative to regular idli, this Ragi Idli recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What is Ragi?
Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a powerhouse grain that’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with nutrients. It’s especially beneficial for:
- Improving bone health (thanks to its high calcium content)
- Aiding digestion
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Supporting weight loss due to its high fiber content
Ingredients
For the Ragi Idli Batter:
- 1 cup ragi flour
- ½ cup urad dal (split black gram)
- ¼ cup idli rice (optional, for softness)
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
Optional:
- 1 tbsp poha (flattened rice) – helps in fermentation and softness
Instructions
1. Soak the Ingredients
- Rinse and soak urad dal and fenugreek seeds together in water for 4-5 hours.
- Soak idli rice (and poha if using) separately for the same duration.
2. Grind the Batter
- First, grind the urad dal and fenugreek seeds into a fluffy, smooth batter using minimal water.
- Next, grind the rice and poha (if using) into a slightly coarse batter.
- Mix both batters in a large bowl.
- Add ragi flour and mix well to form a smooth batter.
- Add water little by little to get idli batter consistency – it should be thick yet pourable.
3. Ferment the Batter
- Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment in a warm place for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- After fermentation, the batter will rise and become airy.
- Add salt and gently stir without overmixing.
4. Steam the Idlis
- Grease the idli plates with oil.
- Pour the batter into each mould.
- Steam for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes before demoulding.
Serving Suggestions
- Coconut chutney
- Tomato chutney
- Sambar
- Ghee and podi (spiced lentil powder)
Tips for Perfect Ragi Idlis
- Use a good quality ragi flour – freshly milled if possible.
- If you live in a cold climate, ferment the batter in the oven with the light on or near a warm area.
- Adding a small amount of poha or cooked rice improves the softness of the idlis.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Gluten-free
✅ High in fiber
✅ Great for kids and adults
✅ Diabetic-friendly
✅ Easy to digest
Ragi Idli is a wonderful way to incorporate millets into your daily meals without compromising on taste or texture. Light, fluffy, and incredibly nourishing – this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to embrace healthier eating habits.
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