Ragi Ambali/ Ragi ganji with Curds/ Finger millet Yogurt

Summer has arrived. It is important keep oneself hydrated with lot of liquid intake and light food to stay healthy. I know each one has his/her preferred seasonal drink! I love any fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, tender coconut or even tender coconut juice.

Look for other summer friendly recipes like Passion fruit lassi, Tambulis, smoothies and fresh juices.

This blog post is about a staple diet of Mandya & Mysore region that is Ragi ambali or Ragi ganji. It is consumed in this region of Karnataka on regular basis irrespective of season as I understand. It supplies major portion of daily required nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and moderate level of protein and dietary fiber. Addition of buttermilk makes it a probiotic rich drink too.

Process of making it is really simple and which makes it easier than making of ragi mudde/ ball. So let us come to the method of making ragi ambali and it is very handy for the working women who find difficult to cook nutritious food.  I suggest having it as your breakfast, which can be consumed anytime during the day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

Ragi/ finger millet flour – 3 heaped tsp

Water – 1 glass

Buttermilk/ curds – 1 glass

Salt – as required

Onions, finely chopped – 2 tsp (optional)

Mint/ coriander leaves, chopped – 1 tsp

Method:

• Take 1 glass of water in a thick vessel or pan. Dissolve 3 tsp of Ragi flour without any lump.
• Bring this mix to a boil stirring continuously.
• Switch off the stove when it starts thickening.
• Let the ragi mix to cool down completely.
• When it comes to room temperature, transfer it to a mixer jar. Add butter milk, mint/ coriander leaves and salt. Churn/ blend once just to combine well.
• Transfer to the serving glass. Add chopped onions on top and serve.

Notes:

• Addition of herbs like mint/ coriander is optional.
• Addition of chopped onions is to give the extra crunchiness which enhances the taste of ambali/ ganji.
• Optionally you can add cooked or raw chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumbers too.
• This ambli can be prepared in the night and can be served in the morning by just adding butter milk, onions and herbs of choice.