Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. High in a particular mineral, ragi flour also boasts significant levels of Tryptophan, an amino acid known for enhancing nerve impulse conduction. This amino acid plays a pivotal role in stimulating memory centers in the brain and has calming effects.
For those looking to incorporate ragi into their diet, Ragi Dosa or Finger Millet Dosa offers a delicious option. You can choose to prepare an instant dosa or opt for the fermented version. Another advantage of ragi flour is its high content of insoluble fiber. This type of fiber remains undissolved in water and assists other foods in their journey through the digestive system.
For a winter-appropriate dish, why not try a twist on the traditional khichdi? Ragi khichdi combines ragi with other nutritious ingredients like moong dal, rice, and seasonings such as cumin seeds and garam masala. To prepare, simply heat ghee in a pan, add ragi flour, and roast on low heat until it turns aromatic and slightly brown.
Ragi chapati, or ragi roti, serves as a nutritious breakfast option with ragi as its main ingredient. If you’re looking for an iron-rich addition to your diet, raisins offer a high concentration of non-heme iron, while lentils provide both non-heme iron and protein.
When preparing dishes with ragi, you can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like curd, buttermilk, salt, cumin seeds, and asafetida (hing). For a healthier version of traditional dishes, consider switching from regular besan flour to ragi flour. Mix with water to make a batter, and you’re good to go.
Ragi even contains antioxidant compounds beneficial for diabetics, as they can improve glycemic control. Nutritionist and diabetes educator, Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, mentions the overall health benefits of these compounds.
For infants above 6 months, sprouted and dried ragi can be ground into powder and made into malt. In addition to its numerous health benefits, ragi has cultural significance as well. Introducing Bhai Kamaljit Singh, also known as Bhai Kamaljeet Singh Hazoori Ragi, a prominent Hazoori Ragi at Darbar Sahib Amritsar. 
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