Ragi Halwa Recipe | Healthy Indian Sweet Made With Ragi
Description:
Ragi Halwa is a nutritious and delicious Indian dessert made from ragi (finger millet), an ancient superfood that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in natural proteins and packed with antioxidants, ragi helps in lowering bad cholesterol and slows down the aging process. This recipe uses jaggery, an unrefined sugar, which adds to its natural sweetness while also providing essential minerals. Ragi Halwa is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a remedy for digestive health, as it has natural coolant properties that can reduce gastritis.
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Dessert
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ragi Seeds | 1 cup (soaked for at least 12 hours) |
| Jaggery | 1-1/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cashew nuts | 50 grams |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons + extra for greasing |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Soak the Ragi:
Begin by soaking the ragi seeds in water for at least 12 hours. This will soften the grains and make them easier to process. -
Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine jaggery and 1 cup of water. Cook on low heat until the jaggery dissolves completely. There’s no need for syrup consistency, just ensure it melts thoroughly. Once melted, strain the jaggery water through a sieve to remove any impurities. -
Fry the Cashews:
In a tadka (small frying) pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Fry the cashew nuts until they turn golden brown. Set aside. -
Prepare the Ragi Milk:
Drain the soaked ragi seeds thoroughly, removing any excess water. Place the ragi and 1 cup of water in a blender or mixer. Blend for 7-10 minutes, or until you get a smooth and fine consistency. You can gradually add another cup of water while blending to achieve a thinner consistency. The aim is to extract as much ragi milk as possible. -
Extract Ragi Milk:
Once blended, pass the ragi mixture through a fine muslin cloth or cheesecloth to separate the liquid (ragi milk) from the solid meal. -
Prepare the Halwa:
Grease a steel plate or thaali with some ghee and set aside. In a wide, deep pan, add the extracted ragi milk (2 cups), jaggery water, and 3 cups of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. -
Cook and Stir:
Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, for about 20 minutes. As the mixture thickens, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and continue stirring for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture starts to coat the back of the spoon, which indicates it’s reaching the desired consistency. -
Final Touches:
After cooking for 30 minutes, test the halwa by lightly wetting your hands and touching the surface. It should no longer stick to your hands. If so, itβs time to add the cardamom powder and fried cashews. Stir to combine. -
Cool and Serve:
Pour the thickened halwa mixture onto the greased thaali, smoothing it out with a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, use a freshly washed knife to cut the halwa into square or diamond shapes.
Tips for Serving:
This Ragi Halwa is not only a delightful dessert but also a great treat for toddlers and growing children, offering them a healthy alternative to sugary sweets. You can serve it as a sweet note after a hearty meal, especially after enjoying something spicy like Bisi Bele Bath (a traditional Karnataka dish).
Nutritional Benefits of Ragi Halwa:
- Rich in Protein: Ragi, a millet, is a good source of plant-based protein.
- Good for Bone Health: It contains calcium, essential for bone growth and strength.
- Boosts Digestion: The natural coolant properties of ragi can help ease stomach discomfort and improve digestion.
- Reduces Cholesterol: Ragi can aid in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body.
This recipe is a perfect balance of taste and health, making it a great addition to your regular diet, especially if youβre seeking a sweet treat with a nutritional boost.
Enjoy your Ragi Halwa as a wholesome dessert, packed with the goodness of ragi, jaggery, and healthy fats from cashews!
