Introduction

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re excited to share a recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious: Finger Millet and Jaggery Biscuits. These biscuits are made with finger millet, also known as ragi, and sweetened with jaggery, an unrefined sugar that retains more nutrients than regular white sugar. Packed with essential nutrients, these biscuits are perfect for a healthy snack or a wholesome treat. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make these delightful biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup finger millet (ragi) flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup jaggery, grated or powdered
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or plant-based milk

Optional Add-ins

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional, for added nutrition)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the finger millet flour, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger (if using), and salt. This ensures that the baking agents and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Jaggery

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and grated jaggery together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If your jaggery is too hard to cream, you can melt it slightly with a tablespoon of water before mixing.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and jaggery mixture. Beat until well combined. If using, mix in the flaxseed meal at this stage.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Add the milk as needed to bring the dough together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits dense.

Step 6: Incorporate Optional Add-ins

If you’re using chopped nuts or dried fruit, fold them into the dough at this stage.

Step 7: Shape the Biscuits

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each biscuit slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to achieve an even shape.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the biscuits are set. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these finger millet and jaggery biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips and Variations

• Storage: Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create your unique flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.

Conclusion

Finger Millet and Jaggery Biscuits are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious snack. With their rich flavor and nutritious ingredients, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out our other healthy and delicious recipes on the blog. Until next time, happy cooking!