Introduction: Indulge in the goodness of millets with our Millet Ragi Uttapam recipe. Uttapam, a popular South Indian savory pancake, gets a healthy twist with the addition of ragi (finger millet) flour, making it not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Join us as we explore the art of making this wholesome and flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner option.

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup urad dal (black gram dal), soaked for 4-6 hours
• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Water, as needed

For the Topping:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • Rinse the soaked urad dal and drain the water.
   • In a blender or wet grinder, grind the soaked urad dal into a smooth batter, adding water as needed to achieve a thick and smooth consistency.
   • Transfer the urad dal batter to a large mixing bowl.
   • Add ragi flour, rice flour, yogurt, and salt to the bowl.
   • Mix well to combine all the ingredients, adding water as needed to make a thick yet pourable batter. The batter should have a smooth texture without any lumps.
   • Cover the batter and let it ferment in a warm place for 6-8 hours or overnight. Fermentation helps in making the uttapam soft and fluffy.
2. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili (if using), coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the Uttapam:
   • Heat a tawa (griddle) or non-stick pan over medium heat.
   • Once the tawa is hot, pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the tawa and spread it gently into a thick circle using the back of the ladle.
   • Drizzle a little oil around the edges of the uttapam and on top.
   • Spoon some of the prepared onion-tomato topping evenly over the uttapam.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown:
   • Cook the uttapam on medium-low heat until the bottom turns golden brown and crisp.
   • Flip the uttapam using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve Hot:
   • Transfer the cooked Millet Ragi Uttapam to a serving plate.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more uttapams.
   • Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any chutney of your choice.

Variations:

• You can add grated carrots, capsicum, or grated cheese to the topping for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a spicier version, sprinkle some red chili flakes or chaat masala on top before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings such as grated paneer, sliced mushrooms, or olives for variety.

Nutritional Information: Millet Ragi Uttapam is a nutritious and wholesome dish that’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Ragi flour is a good source of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, while urad dal adds protein and helps in fermentation. This dish is also gluten-free and low in calories, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Conclusion: Millet Ragi Uttapam is a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate millets into your diet. With its soft texture, savory toppings, and earthy flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Try making it at home and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this traditional South Indian dish with a healthy twist.