Ragi Roti, also known as Nachni Roti, is a traditional Indian flatbread made from finger millet flour (ragi). It is a highly nutritious and gluten-free bread, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy, filling, and easy-to-make option. Ragi is rich in fiber, protein, iron, and calcium, making Ragi Roti an excellent addition to any diet.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare this wholesome and tasty dish that’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as a part of any meal.
Ingredients:
- Ragi Flour (Nachni Flour) – 1 cup
- Whole Wheat Flour – 2 tbsp (optional, for binding)
- Water – ½ to ¾ cup (adjust as needed)
- Salt – to taste
- Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp (optional)
- Ghee or Oil – for roasting
Optional Additions:
- Chopped Onions – 1 small (optional)
- Coriander Leaves – a handful (optional)
- Green Chilies – 1 or 2 (finely chopped, optional)
- Carom Seeds (Ajwain) – ½ tsp (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add ragi flour. You can also add whole wheat flour to the ragi flour if you want to make the dough more pliable.
- Add salt to taste, and if you like, you can also include cumin seeds and carom seeds for added flavor.
- Gradually add water little by little, mixing the flour until a soft, smooth dough forms. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry.
- Optionally, you can also add finely chopped onions, green chilies, or coriander leaves to the dough to enhance the flavor.
2. Divide the Dough:
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions, about the size of a lemon. Roll each portion into a ball.
3. Roll Out the Roti:
- To roll out the roti, lightly grease your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Take one dough ball and flatten it slightly using your fingers.
- Roll it into a round shape (it doesn’t have to be perfect). You can use dry flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin.
- If the dough cracks around the edges, gently press it together using your fingers to seal the cracks.
4. Cook the Roti:
- Heat a tawa or flat pan over medium heat.
- Once the pan is hot, place the rolled-out roti onto the tawa.
- Cook for about 30 seconds, or until you see small bubbles on the surface. Flip the roti and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side.
- Now, apply ghee or oil on both sides of the roti, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve Hot:
- Once your ragi roti is cooked to perfection, serve it hot with your favorite chutney, curry, or yogurt.
Tips for Perfect Ragi Roti:
- Water Quantity: The amount of water needed will depend on the type of ragi flour you use. Add water little by little to get the right consistency.
- Softness: Ragi flour doesn’t have gluten, so the dough may not be as stretchy. Adding a little wheat flour can help with binding.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for about 10 minutes helps in better texture and smoothness.
- Use of Tawa: Make sure the tawa is hot enough before placing the roti to ensure proper cooking.
Health Benefits of Ragi Roti:
- Rich in Calcium: Ragi is known for its high calcium content, which helps in strengthening bones.
- High in Fiber: The fiber content of ragi is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
- Gluten-Free: Ragi is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for individuals with gluten sensitivity or those on a gluten-free diet.
- Good Source of Iron: Ragi is a great source of iron, which helps prevent iron deficiency and promotes healthy blood circulation.
Conclusion:
Ragi Roti (Nachni Roti) is an excellent addition to your diet, offering not only delicious flavors but also a wealth of health benefits. It’s a nutritious alternative to regular chapati and can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Whether you serve it with curry, chutney, or even as a snack with a cup of tea, this healthy flatbread will keep you energized throughout the day. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy the goodness of ragi in your meals!
