Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. We’re making Ragi Biscuits. These biscuits, made from ragi (also known as finger millet), are rich in calcium, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are a perfect snack for both kids and adults, providing a wholesome treat that you can enjoy guilt-free. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make these delightful ragi biscuits, you will need:

• 1 cup ragi flour (finger millet flour)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar or jaggery powder (for a healthier option)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for flavor)
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ragi flour, whole wheat flour, powdered sugar (or jaggery powder), baking powder, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Cream the Butter: In another bowl, take the room temperature butter and beat it until it becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter. Mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Form the Dough: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. The dough should be firm yet pliable.

Step 2: Shape the Biscuits

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut the Biscuits: Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. You can use round cutters, or get creative with different shapes.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each biscuit.

Step 3: Bake the Biscuits

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and the edges are slightly golden.
2. Cool: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once the biscuits have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Tips and Variations

• Add Nuts: For added crunch and nutrition, you can mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews into the dough.
• Flavor Boost: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon powder for an extra flavor kick.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar or jaggery according to your taste preference.

Why Ragi?

Ragi, or finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten intolerance. Rich in calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, ragi helps in strengthening bones, improving digestion, and managing diabetes. Including ragi in your diet can also aid in weight management and keep you feeling full for longer.

Conclusion

These homemade ragi biscuits are a perfect blend of health and taste. Whether you enjoy them with your morning tea or as an afternoon snack, they are sure to delight your taste buds while providing a nutritious boost. Try this recipe and let us know how your ragi biscuits turned out. Happy baking!