Ragi Halwa Recipe | Healthy Indian Sweet Made With Ragi
Delve into the delightful world of Indian desserts with this Ragi Halwa, a sumptuous and nourishing sweet treat made primarily from ragi seeds, also known as finger millet. Hailing from Karnataka, this traditional recipe is not just a dessert but a wholesome option that’s perfect for toddlers and growing children, offering a unique blend of flavor and nutrition. Let’s explore how to prepare this delightful dish step by step, ensuring that you can bring the flavors of India into your kitchen while promoting health and well-being.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to create this delicious Ragi Halwa:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ragi Seeds (soaked for at least 12 hours) | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 1¼ cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cashew Nuts | 50 grams |
| Ghee (plus more for greasing) | 3 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delectable but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick overview:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~38g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Ragi Halwa:
-
Soaking the Ragi: Begin by soaking the ragi seeds in water for a minimum of 12 hours. This softens the seeds and enhances the nutritional profile of the dish.
-
Preparing Jaggery Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the jaggery with 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat until the jaggery completely melts. Note that you do not need to create a syrup; simply ensure it dissolves. Once melted, strain this mixture through a sieve to eliminate any impurities, resulting in a smooth jaggery liquid.
-
Frying the Cashews: In a tadka (tempering) pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and fry them until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later use.
-
Blending the Ragi: Drain the soaked ragi seeds through a sieve to remove excess water. In a blender or mixer, add the drained ragi along with 1 cup of water. Blend the mixture until it becomes very smooth and fine, which helps extract as much ragi milk as possible. Gradually add another cup of water while blending, a process that should take about 7-10 minutes depending on the power of your blender.
-
Straining the Ragi Milk: After blending, pass the liquid through a fine muslin cloth or cheese cloth to separate the ragi milk from the ragi meal. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture in your halwa.
-
Greasing the Thaali: Grease a Thaali or a rimmed steel plate with some ghee to prevent the halwa from sticking once it’s set.
-
Cooking the Mixture: In a wide, deep pan, combine 2 cups of the extracted ragi milk, the jaggery water, and 3 cups of milk. Stir the mixture gently with a wooden spoon and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cook on medium to high while stirring continuously.
-
Thickening the Halwa: After about 20 minutes of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the mixture. Continue stirring for another 10 minutes. You will notice the mixture thickening and starting to coat the back of the wooden spoon. To check for doneness, lightly wet your hands and touch the surface of the halwa; it should not stick to your fingers.
-
Final Touches: Allow the halwa to cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, then whisk in the cardamom powder and the fried cashews.
-
Setting the Halwa: Pour the cooked mixture onto the greased Thaali and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool to room temperature, which will help it set properly.
-
Cutting the Halwa: Once cooled, run a freshly washed knife around the edges to loosen the halwa. Cut it into squares or diamond shapes, and your Ragi Halwa is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Ragi Halwa Recipe is an excellent dish for toddlers and growing children due to its naturally sweet flavor and rich nutritional benefits. It can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or as a sweet end to a meal, especially after a spicy dish like Bisi Bele Bath, a mixed vegetable sambar rice dish that pairs perfectly with this sweet treat.
Conclusion
With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, Ragi Halwa is not just a dessert but a heartfelt dish that reflects the culinary heritage of India. By making this healthy Indian sweet, you are embracing the goodness of ragi while introducing a delightful and wholesome treat to your family’s table. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful journey into traditional Indian sweets!
