Easy Ragi & Atta Muffins with Chocolate- Banana Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Ragi & Atta Muffins with Chocolate- Banana Recipe

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – mornings can be crazy. Especially if you’re trying to get everyone fed and out the door! I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, healthy, and that my family actually enjoys. These Ragi & Atta Muffins with Chocolate and Banana are a total lifesaver. They’re wonderfully soft, subtly sweet, and packed with goodness. Plus, the chocolate makes them feel like a treat, even though they’re pretty good for you! I first made these when my little one started refusing breakfast, and honestly, they’ve become a staple ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins aren’t just convenient; they’re genuinely delicious! Here’s what makes them special:

• Healthy & Nutritious: Ragi and atta provide fiber and essential nutrients.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy mornings.
• Kid-Approved: The chocolate and banana combo is a winner with kids (and adults!).
• Naturally Sweetened: Jaggery adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit your preferences (more on that later!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful muffins:

• ¾ cup atta (whole wheat flour) – about 90g
• ¾ cup ragi flour (finger millet flour) – about 90g
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – about 7.5g
• ¼ teaspoon salt – about 1.5g
• 1 cup mashed banana – about 120g (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – about 5ml
• ¼ cup avocado oil – about 60ml
• ½ cup jaggery powder – about 100g
• ½ cup milk – about 120ml
• ½ cup chocolate chunks – about 85g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

Ragi Flour (Finger Millet Flour) – Health Benefits & Flavor Profile

Ragi is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. It has a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate. Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to ragi – it’s becoming increasingly popular and is available in most health food stores and online.

Atta (Whole Wheat Flour) – Choosing the Right Type

Atta is simply whole wheat flour, commonly used in Indian cooking. I prefer using a fine atta for a softer muffin texture. You can find different types of atta – chapati atta is a good all-purpose option.

Jaggery – A Traditional Indian Sweetener

Jaggery is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap. It has a lovely caramel flavor and a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. You can find it in powder or block form. If using a block, grate it finely before measuring.

Avocado Oil – A Healthy Fat Option

I love using avocado oil for baking because of its neutral flavor and health benefits. But you can easily substitute it with melted coconut oil or any other neutral-flavored oil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large bowl, sift together the atta, ragi flour, baking powder, and salt twice. Sifting is key for light and fluffy muffins. It gets rid of any lumps and aerates the flour.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, avocado oil, vanilla extract, and jaggery powder until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Now, gradually add about half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula. Don’t overmix!
5. Add the milk and stir until just combined. Then, incorporate the remaining dry ingredients. Again, be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chunks (or your favorite add-ins!).
7. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack before serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins.
• Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them combine more easily.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

To make these muffins vegan, simply substitute the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk).

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Using Alternative Flours)

If you need a gluten-free option, replace the atta with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Warmth (Cardamom, Cinnamon)

My friend, Priya, loves adding ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, fragrant twist.

Festival Adaptations – A Quick Breakfast for Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi

These are perfect for offering during festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi. They’re a quick and easy bhog option!

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• A dollop of yogurt
• A drizzle of honey
• A glass of cold milk

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is the best way to mash the bananas for this recipe?

You can use a fork, potato masher, or even a blender! I usually just use a fork – it’s quick and easy.

Can I substitute the jaggery with sugar? What adjustments should I make?

Yes, you can substitute jaggery with granulated sugar. Use the same amount (½ cup). Keep in mind that granulated sugar is sweeter than jaggery, so you might want to reduce it slightly.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely before freezing.

What are the health benefits of using ragi flour?

Ragi is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s rich in calcium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also gluten-free and has a low glycemic index.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can! Coconut oil, sunflower oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil will work just fine.