Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and Indian cuisine proves this beautifully—especially with recipes like Finger Millet Masala Poori, a wholesome twist on the traditional poori. Finger millet, popularly known as Ragi or Nachni, is one of India’s oldest superfoods. When transformed into a masala poori enriched with spices, herbs, and veggies 🥕🌶️🧅, it becomes a delicious combination of taste and nutrition.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even lunchboxes, these crisp and slightly earthy masala pooris are not only tasty but also rich in fibre, calcium, and iron. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more millets into your diet or searching for a healthy kids-friendly alternative to regular wheat pooris, this recipe is a must-try.
Let’s dive into this flavourful, nutritious, and beautifully simple millet creation.
🌾 Why Choose Finger Millet (Ragi)?
Before getting into the recipe, here’s why ragi deserves a permanent place in your kitchen:
✔️ Calcium-Rich Super Grain – Excellent for bones
✔️ High Fibre – Keeps you full longer
✔️ Low Glycemic Index – Ideal for diabetics
✔️ Iron-Rich – Helps combat fatigue and increases stamina
✔️ Gluten-Free – Great for gluten sensitivity
✔️ Weight Loss Friendly – Low calorie and super filling
Turning ragi into pooris adds variety to your meals and satisfies cravings without guilt.
🥘 Ingredients You Need
🌾 Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Finger Millet Flour (Ragi Flour)
- ½ cup Whole Wheat Flour (helps binding)
- 2 tbsp Semolina (optional)
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- Salt to taste
🥦 Fresh Ingredients (Veggies & Herbs)
- 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Spinach 🥬
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 small Carrot, grated 🥕
- 1 tbsp Green Coriander, chopped 🌿
- 1 small Green Chilli, finely chopped 🌶️
- 1 tsp Grated Ginger
💧 For Kneading
- Warm water as required
- 1 tbsp oil
🍳 For Frying
- Oil for deep frying
👩🍳 How to Make Finger Millet Masala Poori – Step-by-Step
🥣 Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining ragi flour, wheat flour, semolina (if using), turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
🧅 Step 2: Add Veggies & Herbs
Add chopped onions, coriander, green chilli, spinach, grated carrot, and ginger.
These veggies not only add nutrients but also moisture and flavour to your pooris.
💧 Step 3: Knead the Dough
Slowly add warm water and knead into a firm dough.
Ragi dough tends to crack easily, so add water gradually and knead patiently.
Tip:
➡️ Add 1 tbsp oil for smoother dough and crispier pooris.
➡️ Rest for 10–12 minutes to let the flours absorb moisture.
🔘 Step 4: Roll the Pooris
Take small dough balls and roll into small discs.
Use wheat flour or oil to prevent sticking.
Make sure pooris are slightly thick to puff well.
🍳 Step 5: Fry the Pooris
Heat oil in a kadai.
Slide each poori gently into the hot oil and press lightly with a ladle so it puffs up beautifully.
Fry until crisp and golden brown.
🍽️ Step 6: Serve Hot
Place the fried pooris on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
Serve them hot—they taste best when fresh and crunchy.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
Finger Millet Masala Pooris go wonderfully with:
🍅 Tomato-Cucumber Raita
🥔 Aloo Sabzi (dry or gravy)
🍛 Vegetable Kurma
🥭 Sweet Mango Pickle
🧄 Garlic Chutney
🥗 Fresh Salad
For kids, pair these pooris with curd and ketchup—they’ll love it!
🌟 Why This Recipe Works So Well
Finger Millet Masala Pooris are not your usual deep-fried indulgence—they’re a nourishing recipe that supports a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why this recipe is special:
✔️ Combines traditional Indian flavours with modern health consciousness
✔️ Uses millet, making it wholesome and filling
✔️ Perfect for tiffin boxes, travel meals, or even weekend brunch
✔️ Kid-friendly, colourful, and mildly spiced
✔️ Excellent for people wanting to replace wheat
✔️ Rich in minerals, fibre, and antioxidants
It’s a dish that delivers health without compromising on taste!
🔄 Variations to Try
🌶️ Spicy Version – Add crushed black pepper or chilli flakes
🧀 Cheese Masala Poori – Add grated cheese for kids
🥬 Mixed Vegetable Poori – Add beetroot, methi, or cabbage
🥔 Stuffed Masala Poori – Add a spiced potato mash filling
🌱 Vegan Version – No change needed; the recipe is naturally vegan
These variations make it easy to create multiple exciting versions of the same base recipe.
❤️ Conclusion
Finger Millet Masala Poori proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be plain or flavourless. With the earthy richness of ragi flour, the crunch of veggies 🥕🧅🌶️, and the aroma of spices, this recipe brings together nourishment and comfort in every bite. Whether you are starting your millet journey or already love experimenting with millets, this dish is guaranteed to become a repeat favourite in your kitchen.
Enjoy these crispy, nutritious pooris with your favourite curry and celebrate the perfect blend of flavour and wellness.