Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi Porridge Recipe – Sweet & Savory Indian Finger Millet Breakfast

Introduction

Good morning, everyone! I’m so excited to share this incredibly nourishing and versatile recipe with you – Ragi Porridge! It’s a breakfast staple in many Indian homes, and for good reason. I first made this when I was trying to incorporate more ancient grains into my family’s diet, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s comforting, customizable, and packed with goodness. Whether you prefer a sweet start to your day or something savory, this ragi porridge has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another porridge recipe. Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s naturally gluten-free, rich in calcium, and provides sustained energy. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and how easily you can adapt it to your taste. It’s perfect for busy mornings, a light dinner, or even a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful ragi porridge:

• ½ cup ragi flour (approx. 60g)
• 3 cups water (720ml)
• 1 cup milk (240ml)
• 2 tablespoons cane sugar (approx. 20g)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder (approx. 2.5g)
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup buttermilk (120ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Ragi Flour: The Nutritional Powerhouse

Ragi flour is the star of the show. You can easily find it at Indian grocery stores, health food stores, or online. Look for a finely ground flour for the smoothest porridge.

Cane Sugar: A Traditional Sweetener

I love using cane sugar (gur) in this recipe for its lovely caramel notes and traditional flavor. But feel free to substitute with jaggery or even regular sugar if that’s what you have on hand. About ¾ cup of granulated sugar will work as a substitute.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices

A little cardamom goes a long way! It adds a beautiful aroma and flavor. I prefer using freshly ground cardamom for the best taste, but pre-ground works just fine too.

Regional Variations in Ragi Porridge

Ragi porridge isn’t made the same way everywhere in India! In some regions, it’s a thin, watery consistency, while others prefer it thick and creamy. Some add vegetables, while others keep it simple with just milk and sugar. It’s a testament to how versatile this humble grain is.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, in a bowl, whisk together the ragi flour and 1 cup of water until you have a smooth slurry. This is key to preventing lumps!
2. Now, bring the remaining 2 cups of water to a boil in a pan.
3. Slowly pour the ragi slurry into the boiling water, whisking constantly. Seriously, don’t stop whisking! This is where those lumps can sneak in.
4. Reduce the heat to low-medium and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once thickened, divide the porridge into two portions. This is where the fun begins!
6. For the sweet version, stir in the milk, cane sugar, and cardamom powder. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
7. For the savory version, let the porridge cool slightly before adding the buttermilk and salt. Whisk until smooth.
8. Optional: For an extra flavor boost in the savory version, heat a little oil or ghee in a small pan and temper with mustard seeds, cumin, red chili, and curry leaves. Pour this over the savory porridge.

Expert Tips

A few things I’ve learned along the way…

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The perfect consistency is really up to you! If you like a thinner porridge, add a little more water. For a thicker porridge, cook it for a bit longer.

Preventing Lumps in Ragi Porridge

The secret to lump-free ragi porridge is a smooth slurry and constant whisking. Trust me, your arm will thank you!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Ragi Porridge

Simply substitute the milk and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.

Gluten-Free Ragi Porridge

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free ragi flour.

Spice Level Adjustments

Feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of chili powder to the savory version for a little extra kick. My friend loves adding a tiny bit of asafoetida (hing) to hers!

Festival Adaptations (Makar Sankranti, Pongal)

During Makar Sankranti and Pongal, ragi porridge is often made with freshly harvested rice and seasonal vegetables. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the harvest season.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Ragi Porridge Pairings

Serve the sweet ragi porridge with a sprinkle of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) or a dollop of fresh fruit. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of honey.

Savory Ragi Porridge Pairings

The savory ragi porridge is fantastic on its own, or with a side of papadums or a simple vegetable curry.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftover Ragi Porridge

Leftover ragi porridge 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 little water or milk when reheating.

Freezing Ragi Porridge

You can also freeze ragi porridge for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What are the health benefits of ragi?

Ragi is incredibly nutritious! It’s a great source of calcium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also known to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

Can I use regular sugar instead of cane sugar?

Yes, absolutely! You can substitute cane sugar with regular sugar, jaggery, or any other sweetener you prefer.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the savory version?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

How can I make this porridge for babies?

For babies, make sure the porridge is very smooth and thin. You can also add a little ghee or a mashed banana for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I add vegetables to the savory ragi porridge?

Definitely! Spinach, carrots, peas, and beans all work well in savory ragi porridge. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.