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Ragi Roti Recipe: A Nutritious and Delicious Gluten-Free Option

We are familiar with rotis in our daily diet. Some may even call it chapati or pulka based on the regions and preparations. However, it is all the same: thin, airy wheat flour flatbread to have alongside a selection of stir-fried veggies or curries. That said, what do you do when gluten simply doesn’t agree with you anymore? An excellent substitute during such times is a batch of freshly made ragi roti. The dish is nutty, nutritious and a nod to the classic household staple. Learn how to effortlessly master this dish to perfection on every try with this ragi roti recipe.

What is Ragi Roti?

As discussed, ragi roti is commonly called ragi ki roti and is a variation of Indian flatbread roti. It is essentially made with ragi atta, also known as finger millet flour. This addition gives the dish its unique hue, coarse texture and nutty flavour. Replacing wheat flour with ragi flour imparts the roti with a denser consistency and a slightly sweeter taste that instantly makes it a favourite among the kids. A great way to pair this ragi atta roti is with a dollop of ghee or a bowl of lentil curry to create a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:
    1. Ragi flour: 2 cups
    2. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
    3. Hing: 1/4 teaspoon
    4. Kasuri Methi: 1 teaspoon
    5. Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon

  • Wet Ingredients:
    1. Oil:1 tablespoon
    2. Green Chilli (chopped): 1 whole
    3. Onions (chopped): 1/2 cup
    4. Fresh Coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons
    5. Warm water: for kneading
Methods

Methods

Before we start preparing the dish, it is best to chop all the veggies in this ragi roti ingredients list and set it aside. This will make the finger millet roti recipe quite straightforward and easy. Once that is done, let’s start assembling this ragi atta roti:

    Step 1:Take a large bowl and combine two cups of ragi flour with salt, hing, kasuri methi and cumin seeds in it. Give this dry mix a quick whisk before adding in all the chopped veggies, such as onions, green chilli and coriander leaves, followed by oil. Fold these ingredients together before the next step.

    Step 2: Carefully add warm water to this ragi flour mix and knead until you get a soft dough. Keep an eye on the quantity of water added to the flour mix, as a little goes a long way and the dough can turn sticky quickly. The sought-after consistency for the flour dough is smooth yet firm enough to be rolled out easily.

    Step 3: After which, take a clean, damp cloth and cover the dough with it. Let this ragi atta roti dough rest for at least 10 minutes or so.

    Step 4: Transfer this well-rested dough onto a rolling board dusted with ragi flour for ease. Divide this ragi roti dough into medium-sized balls and roll them out one by one into round discs about 6 inches in diameter with a rolling pin.

    Step 5: The next steps are as easy as they get! All you need to do is cook each of the finger millet roti thoroughly on a nonstick tawa over medium heat. And voila, your ragi roti is ready!


Health Benefits of Ragi Roti

The star of this dish, ragi ki roti, is the nutritiously dense finger millet. We say so because while being gluten-free, finger millet is also a great ingredient to add to a health-conscious diet. It is a grain that is high in fibre, polyphenols and a string of minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. The millet is also antidiabetic and antioxidant. Moreover, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes digestive health. All in all, finger millet makes for an exemplary addition to your meals.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Ragi is a flour that goes well with a wide range of ingredients. This ensures that the ragi roti you make at home can be easily paired with homemade dals, vegetable sabzi or curries such as chana masala. Moreover, since this dish includes a range of herbs and spices you may also enjoy it as is, with a side of simple yoghurt raita or mint chutney.

If you are in search of a much more creative dish to amuse your children, then consider adding grated beetroot and carrots to the dish. This will give the ragi roti a fun colour and encourage them to gobble on it during mealtimes.

This ragi roti recipe can be easily made on days you feel the urge to switch things up even if you are not on the lookout for a gluten-free chapati. The nutritious goodness of ragi flour, the aromatic herbs and the delightful nutty taste of this ragi roti will soon make it a staple in your household. What better way to expand your culinary journey with a dish that suits every palate and supports your dietary restrictions? It is a win-win in our book!