Ragi & Date Pudding Recipe – Easy Palm Jaggery Dessert

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi & Date Pudding Recipe – Easy Palm Jaggery Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for desserts that are both delicious and good for you. This Ragi & Date Pudding is exactly that – a warm, comforting treat that’s packed with nutrients and naturally sweetened. I first made this when I was trying to incorporate more millets into my family’s diet, and it quickly became a favorite! It’s so easy to make, and honestly, it feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pudding. It’s a delightful blend of earthy ragi, sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and the lovely caramel notes of palm jaggery. It’s quick to whip up – perfect for a cozy night in or a simple dessert after a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pudding:

• ¼ cup finger millet flour (ragi flour) – about 30g
• ¾ – 1 cup milk – (240-300ml) – I prefer whole milk for richness, but any kind works!
• 1 tbsp palm jaggery or jaggery – about 15g
• 3-4 dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped – about 15g
• 4 blanched almonds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients a little more, shall we? Knowing what you’re using can really elevate your cooking!

Ragi Flour (Finger Millet Flour) – Health Benefits & Regional Uses

Ragi, or finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. It’s been a staple in South Indian cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. You can find it in dishes like ragi dosa, ragi roti, and even ragi malt. It has a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients.

Palm Jaggery – A Natural Sweetener & Its Flavor Profile

Palm jaggery (also known as karupatti) is unrefined sugar made from palm sap. It has a beautiful caramel-like flavor that’s so much more complex than regular sugar. It also contains trace minerals! If you can’t find palm jaggery, regular jaggery is a great substitute.

Dates – Varieties & Their Impact on Texture

I love using Medjool dates for this recipe because they’re soft and plump. But any variety will work – just make sure they’re pitted! Dates add a lovely chewiness and natural sweetness to the pudding.

Almonds & Walnuts – Nutritional Value & Substitutions

Almonds and walnuts add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to swap these out for other nuts like cashews or pistachios if you prefer. Just make sure they’re chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s prep the almonds. Soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. This makes the skins slip off easily. Peel and chop them finely.
2. Next, chop the dates and walnuts into small pieces. You want them to be roughly the same size for even distribution in the pudding.
3. In a saucepan, mix the ragi flour with ¼ cup (60ml) of water to form a smooth paste. This prevents lumps! Then, add 1 cup (240ml) of water and whisk until everything is well combined and lump-free.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the ragi mixture, stirring constantly. This is important to prevent sticking! It will start to thicken after about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once thickened, add the milk and palm jaggery. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir continuously until the jaggery is completely dissolved.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in the chopped walnuts, dates, and almonds.
7. Serve warm immediately for the best consistency and flavor. It’s seriously comforting!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this pudding perfect every time:

Achieving the Perfect Pudding Consistency

The key is to stir constantly! You want a smooth, creamy consistency, similar to a thick custard. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.

Preventing Sticking & Burning

Ragi tends to stick to the bottom of the pan. That’s why constant stirring is so important. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan also helps.

Enhancing the Flavor with Spices

A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg can really elevate the flavor of this pudding.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Ragi & Date Pudding

Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk – almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as ragi is a gluten-free grain. However, always double-check the packaging of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Feel free to adjust the amount of jaggery to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter pudding.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Makar Sankranti, Pongal)

During Makar Sankranti or Pongal, you can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and festive flair.

Spice Level Variations (Cardamom, Nutmeg)

A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg adds a lovely warmth. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of saffron for a special occasion!

Serving Suggestions

This pudding is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of coconut cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It’s lovely warm, but also tastes good chilled.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is Ragi good for diabetics?

Yes, ragi has a low glycemic index, which means it releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Can I use a different type of jaggery?

Yes, you can! Regular jaggery is a great substitute for palm jaggery.

Can this pudding be made ahead of time?

You can make it a few hours ahead of time, but the consistency will change as it cools. You might need to add a little milk when reheating.

What if I don’t have blanched almonds?

You can blanch them yourself by boiling them for a minute, then slipping off the skins. Or, you can use slivered almonds instead.

How can I adjust the thickness of the pudding?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.

Is ragi flour readily available in all stores?

It’s becoming more widely available, but you might need to check health food stores or Indian grocery stores. You can also find it online.

Enjoy this delightful Ragi & Date Pudding! I hope it brings a little sweetness and warmth to your day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!