Traditional and Instant Ragi Idli Recipe - 24 Mantra Organic

Ragi, or finger millet, is a staple food of South India. It is locally known as kezhvaragu and is a healthier substitute for rice. Due to its versatility, it can be easily incorporated into traditional breakfast recipes. Hence, you may have often heard of ragi dosa and ragi idli recipes where it is the hero ingredient.

In this post, we will take a look at the classic ragi idli recipe and instant ragi idli without rice. Let’s take a look:

Classic Ragi Idli Recipe

The ingredients required for the ragi idli recipe are as follows:

• A cup of idli rice (200 g)
• Half a cup of dehusked whole/split urad dal (100 to 120 g)
• A quarter of a cup of thick poha (25 g)
• A quarter of a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
• A cup of ragi flour (120 g)
• Water for grinding and maintaining consistency
• Salt, as per taste

Here is how you can make the ragi idli recipe at home:

1. Rinse the idli rice a couple of times until the water runs clear. Soak it in about two cups of water and keep it aside. To this, add rinsed poha and let everything sit for about 4 to 5 hours at least.
2. Next, rinse the urad dal along with the fenugreek seeds. Soak it in a cup of water for the same duration that is, 4-5 hours.
3. After it has been soaked, drain and transfer the urad dal to a mixer grinder jar. Blend it until you get a smooth and consistent batter. Add water when required. Once you are satisfied with the texture and consistency of the urad dal paste, pour it out in a bowl.
4. Now, drain out the water from the rice and poha mixture and transfer it to the same grinder jar. If required, grind the rice in batches and adjust the water according to the desired consistency.
5. Mix the rice and urad dal batter together. It should have a smooth consistency with a slightly granular texture.
6. Now, incorporate the ragi flour little by little into the idli batter. Sprinkle the flour bit by bit and keep mixing it. Use a whisk to ensure that it does not form any lumps.
7. Cover the batter with a lid and let the mixture ferment overnight, or at least 8-9 hours. The batter will rise and double up.
8. Add salt to the batter and stir everything together.
9. Bring the water in the steamer or the pressure cooker to a boil and grease the idli mould. Pour in the ragi idli batter and position the stand in the steam.
10. Let it steam for about 12 to 15 minutes. Do a toothpick test in the middle of your idli, if it emerges clean, then your idlis are done.
11. Take it off the heat and let it stand for about a minute or two. Unmould the idli and serve hot!

Instant Ragi Idli Recipe

In the above ragi idli recipe, you need to give about 14 to 16 hours for preparing the batter. However, what happens if you have not prepared or do not have the ingredients like idli rice? Here is an instant ragi idli recipe without rice. You will need:

• A cup of semolina (sooji or rava)
• A cup of ragi flour
• Salt, as desired
• A cup of sour curd
• A cup of water
• A quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda

Here is the procedure for instant ragi idli recipe:

1. Start by dry roasting the semolina in a pan for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it is golden brown.
2. Spread it out in a plate and allow it to cool completely.
3. Transfer the semolina and the ragi flour into a mixing bowl, and add the curd and salt to it.
4. Mix everything. Depending on the consistency of the instant ragi idli batter, add water. Make sure that the batter is a little runnier than the desired consistency.
5. Let the batter of the instant ragi idli without rice sit for at least half an hour.
6. Sprinkle some baking soda on top of the batter and activate it by pouring a tablespoon of water over it. Then mix the batter until it turns frothy.
7. Grease the idli mould and pour out the batter into it immediately. Put it to steam for about 8 to 10 minutes.
8. After a quick toothpick test, let the ragi idli rest and unmould them.
9. Serve hot!

Above, you have seen two ragi idli recipes, which allow you to serve up a healthy meal. However, if you wish to make your dishes tastier and healthier, switch to organic ingredients. Organic flour does not contain any chemicals or adulterants that may steal nutritional value from your food. As they say, you are what you eat. So eat healthy so that you are healthy!

Try 24 Mantra Organic’s Ragi flour and enjoy the taste of Ragi Idili recipe.