Finger Millet/ Ragi (Tamil: Kelvargu; Malayalam: Koovarugu; Hindi: Mandua; Telugu: Ragulu; Kannada: Ragi)

     Ragi has high fiber& makes digestion nicely and slowly hence your stomach is full for long time and you won’t feel hungry and if you can easily avoid eating excess food. It is full of calcium that's why it can be a good substitute for milk. Finger millet (344g) is the richest in calcium content, about 10 times that of rice (45g) or wheat (41g). Ragi is the best food to lower the cholesterol level in your body. 
     When I thought of preparing this dish was a bit doubtful whether this dish would be tasty but it turned out to be yummy.   

INGREDIENTS
Ragi flour (Raw/roasted) - 2cups
Salt- to taste
Hot water- as required
Coconut- 5 tablespoons

PROCEDURE

RAW RAGI FLOUR:
METHOD 1: (COOKING)
  • In a vessel add a cup of raw ragi flour, a cup of water and salt on top of heat. Cook this mixture by constant stirring (without forming lumps) till the water evaporates and the mixture comes together as a semi-thick slurry.
  • Switch off the gas and add immediately the remaining cup of ragi flour mixing well with ladle first when the dough is hot & later with hand to make the dough. 
  • Fill an idiyappam press and press the noodles onto banana leaves or directly onto an idli steamer. Add a little grated coconut if desired. Steam for 8-10 minutes. 
METHOD 2: (ROASTING)
  • Take the raw ragi flour and roast in a heavy bottomed/non-stick vessel, till you smell the roasted flour. Allow to cool. 
  • Boil the water to a rolling hot stage. Mix ragi flour with hot water, season with salt. Knead and combine flour into a dough when it is hot using a ladle first & then with hand when the dough slightly cools. 
  • Fill an idiyappam press and press the noodles onto banana leaves or directly onto an idli steamer. Add a little grated coconut if desired. Steam for 8-10 minutes. 
ROASTED RAGI FLOUR:
  • If you get ready made roasted ragi flour, add salt and hot water; repeat the above steps.
  • Tips: Hot milk can be added instead of water while kneading the dough. 
  • Can go well with sweet coconut milk, stew...etc