Introduction: Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to prepare a comforting and nourishing bowl of Finger Millet Porridge, also known as Ragi Kanji! Ragi, or finger millet, is a highly nutritious grain that has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a wholesome and delicious porridge that’s perfect for breakfast or as a light meal. Join us as we explore the goodness of Ragi Kanji and discover a soothing dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup finger millet flour (ragi flour)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish
• Tempering (optional):
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
  • 2-3 dry red chilies, broken into pieces
  • A few curry leaves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the finger millet flour with 1 cup of water to form a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps. Set aside.
2. In a large pot or saucepan, bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil.
3. Once the water is boiling, gradually add the finger millet flour paste to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the porridge simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Add buttermilk to the porridge and mix well to combine. This will give the porridge a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
6. If using grated coconut, add it to the porridge and mix well.
7. Season the porridge with salt according to taste.
8. In a small pan, heat ghee over medium heat for tempering (optional).
9. Add mustard seeds to the hot ghee and let them splutter.
10. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, dry red chilies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the spices are fragrant and the curry leaves turn crisp.
11. Pour the tempering over the prepared Ragi Kanji and mix well to incorporate the flavors.
12. Garnish the porridge with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
13. Serve hot as a nourishing breakfast or light meal.

Variations:

• For a sweeter version of Ragi Kanji, you can add jaggery or sugar to the porridge along with grated coconut.
• You can also add chopped vegetables such as carrots, beans, or peas to make the porridge more nutritious and filling.
• Adjust the consistency of the porridge by adding more water or buttermilk if desired.

Nutritional Information: Finger Millet Porridge, or Ragi Kanji, is a highly nutritious dish that’s rich in calcium, iron, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Ragi is known for its numerous health benefits, including aiding in digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and strengthening bones. This porridge is light on the stomach and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or as a light meal.

Conclusion: Finger Millet Porridge, or Ragi Kanji, is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. With its creamy texture and subtle flavors, this porridge is sure to warm your soul and nourish your body. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a light meal, Ragi Kanji is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and experience the wholesome goodness of finger millet in every spoonful!