Indian Millet- Ragi/Finger millet/Nachni/Kezhvaragu- Glossary- What is finger millet/ragi?, culinary uses of ragi, finger millet in Indian cooking, how to purchase and store ragi?

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What is finger millet, ragi, nachni?/Finger Millet/Ragi/Nachni/Kezhvaragu/Ragi Seeds/Finger Millet Uses/Ragi Uses/Nachni Millet

Finger Millet (Ragi)

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ABOUT - "FINGER MILLET/RAGI/KEZHVARAGU/NACHNI"

Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet in English, ragi in Telugu and Kannada, kezhvaragu or keppai in Tamil. The word finger millet derives from the appearance of the head of the grain, which comprises five spikes, thus resembling our five fingers.

Finger millet is an annually cultivated cereal crop, which belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. It is originally found in the Ethiopian islands and was introduced into India approximately 4000 years ago. Finger millet is generally grown for its seeds. The seeds, which may be reddish to dark brown are consumed in a variety of forms including vermicelli made from finger millet flour. Various types of sweets and savoury dishes are also prepared from the finger millet.

APPEARANCE OF FINGER MILLET/RAGI/KEZHVARAGU/NACHNI

Finger millet/ragi is a tiny, round-shaped, and multicoloured seed from reddish, light brown to dark brown. It is a hard-textured seed that looks like a mustard seed.

FEW INDIAN REGIONAL OR VERNACULAR NAMES OF FINGER MILLET

Tamil name – Kezhvaragu or Kelvaragu/Keppai/Ariyam.

Hindi name – Mandua.

Kannada name – Ragi.

Telegu name – Ragi.

Malayalam name – Panjapullu.

Marathi name – Nachani/Nachni/Nagali.

Nepal name – Koddo.

Assamese name – Maruba dhan.

Bengali name – Marwa.

Konkani name – Nanchani.

Odia name – Mandia.

Sanskrit name – Madhulika/Mattak/Nrutyakundala.

Urdu name – Mandwa/Maruwa.

Uttarakhand name – Madua.

Himachal Pradesh name – Kodra.

Telangana name – Taidalu.

Sri Lankan name – Kurakkan.

FLAVOUR OF FINGER MILLET/RAGI/KEZHVARAGU/NACHNI

Generally, finger millet/ragi does not have any specific taste of its own. However, I feel it mildly contains some sweet taste as well as a bitter aftertaste. It also has an earthy aroma and nutty texture.

Finger Millet (Ragi)

INDIAN CULINARY USES OF FINGER MILLET/RAGI/NACHNI/KEZHVARAGU

Finger millet/Ragi is a well-known and traditional ingredient in Indian cooking. It is a staple ingredient in the Southern part of India, particularly in rural areas. One or other form of finger millet/ragi is always present in the pantry in most South Indian kitchens.

FINGER MILLET/RAGI AS AN INFANT FOODS

Finger millet/ragi is better known for various health benefits, especially iron and calcium. That’s the reason ragi is made into ragi malt or ragi porridge and served to infants and toddlers. Calcium in the ragi helps in the healthy development of teeth and bones. Iron can helps to prevent anaemia in children.

Ragi Murukku (Finger Millet Murukku)

In the picture - Ragi Murukku

Ragi is the most popularly used in South Indian cooking for making both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as it is or grounded up to flour or made into the batter. Even ragi can be sprouted and made into flour.

Being a versatile ingredient whole ragi seeds can be made to various batters like IDLI/DOSAI BATTER, ADAI BATTER etc. Ragi flour or sprouted ragi flour can be used to make a wide range of cooking and baking dishes.

FOR EXAMPLE

Ragi Sevai or Ragi Semiya, Ragi Idiyappam, Nachni Chapati and Ragi Adai are some of the savoury dishes.

PANJAPULLU PUTTU, RAGI LADDOO, RAGI HALWA, RAGI KOZHUKATTAI, and SIMILI URUNDAI are some of the sweet dishes.

RAGI BISCUITS, RAGI COOKIES, RAGI BREAD, and FINGER MILLET BROWNIES are some of the baked dishes.

Ragi Kozhukattai Recipe/Finger Millet Kozhukattai Recipe

In the picture - Ragi Kozhukattai Recipe/Finger Millet Kozhukattai Recipe

For the detailed Ragi Kozhukattai Recipe/Finger Millet Kozhukattai Recipe. Kindly, click the below link to check out -
🔗Ragi Kozhukattai Recipe/Finger Millet Kozhukattai Recipe

SOME OF THE FAMOUS RECIPES WITH RAGI/FINGER MILLET FLOUR

RAGI MUDDE or RAGI KALI or RAGI SANGATI is a traditional and wholesome meal from the state of Karnataka and is typically served with SAARU or BASSARU.

RAGI KOOZH or KEPPAI KOOZH or AADI KOOZH is a traditional and popular porridge from the state of Tamilnadu and is specifically consumed in the summer months. It also served as a PRASADHAM in Hindu temples during Aadi month.

Ragi Koozh Recipe (Finger Millet Porridge)

In the picture - Ragi Koozh Recipe

It is also used to make various snack recipes like RAGI MURUKKU, MIXTURE, RAGI VADAI (FRITTERS), etc.

Ragi/finger millet can be a healthy accompaniment for South Indian meals as a RAGI APPALAM.

The above are some of the recipe ideas using Ragi/Finger millet/Nachni/Kezhvaragu. You could innovatively use this healthy Indian ingredient in your cooking.

TIPS TO BUY AND STORE RAGI/FINGER MILLET/KEZHVARAGU/NACHNI

Ragi/finger millet seeds and ragi millet flour is easily available in any Indian grocery store and also in the online market.

When buying whole ragi seeds, look for freshness and moisture-free seeds and when buying ragi flour always buy recently dated products and use them before the expiry date.

Finger Millet (Ragi)

HOW TO STORE RAGI/FINGER MILLET/NACHNI?

Ragi/finger millet is one of the rare ingredients, which can be easily stored for more than 10 years. Being a very small seed that insects cannot squeeze inside it, which in turn makes it ideal for storing for longer periods.

You can store them in an air-tight container in a cool and dry place.

HAPPY COOKING!
with better ingredients for better food.


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