Bowl of Goodness: Crafting the Perfect Ragi Malt at Home

Introduction:

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a nutrient-rich cereal that has been a staple in many South Asian diets for centuries. One of the popular and wholesome ways to consume ragi is through the preparation of ragi malt. Packed with essential nutrients, ragi malt is not only delicious but also offers a myriad of health benefits. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at the process of making ragi malt and explore the nutritional goodness it brings to the table.

How to make Ragi Malt at home?

Ingredients:

To get started on your journey to making ragi malt, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ragi flour: 1 cup
• Water: 3 cups
• Milk of choice (optional): 1 cup
• Jaggery or sweetener of choice: to taste
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews): for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Roasting Ragi Flour: Start by dry roasting the ragi flour in a pan over medium heat. This step helps enhance the flavor and removes any raw taste from the flour. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
  Roast until the ragi flour emits a nutty aroma and turns a slightly darker shade. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
• Preparing Ragi Paste: Once roasted, let the ragi flour cool for a few minutes. Transfer it to a blender or food processor.
  Add a cup of water and blend until you get a smooth paste. This step ensures that the ragi flour mixes well without forming lumps.
• Cooking the Ragi Malt: In a pot, bring the remaining 2 cups of water to a boil.
  Add the ragi paste to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Sweetening the Malt: Add jaggery or your sweetener of choice to the ragi mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
  For added richness, you can include a cup of milk at this stage. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Flavoring the Ragi Malt: If desired, add cardamom powder for a hint of fragrance and flavor. Stir it in well.
• Garnishing and Serving: Once the ragi malt reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
  Garnish with chopped nuts like almonds and cashews for added texture and nutritional value. Your nutritious ragi malt is ready to be served! Pour it into cups or bowls and enjoy it warm.

Nutritional Benefits:

Ragi malt is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering benefits such as:

• Rich in Calcium: Essential for bone health.
• High in Fiber: Supports digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
• Packed with Iron: Aids in preventing anemia.
• Good Source of Protein: Supports muscle development and repair.

Conclusion:

Incorporating ragi malt into your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of this ancient grain. Experiment with flavors and additions to make it your own, and savor the goodness of ragi in every sip.