How to Prepare Delicious Ragi Milk: A Guide for Beginners

Ragi milk, made from finger millet, is a delicious and nutritious plant-based drink that has gained popularity worldwide. Not only is it rich in nutrients, but it's also surprisingly easy to prepare. This guide will walk you through the process of making ragi milk at home using two different methods, ensuring you can enjoy this health drink anytime you want.

Ingredients and Equipment

Regardless of which method you choose, the following ingredients form the base of your ragi milk:

1/2 cup (about 60 grams) ragi (finger millet) washed and soaked for 6-8 hours 4 cups of water (adjust as needed based on desired consistency) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional) Honey or jaggery (optional, to taste) A few ice cubes (optional, for the blender method)

Method 1: Stovetop

Ingredients and Equipment

1/2 cup (about 60 grams) ragi washed and soaked for 6-8 hours 4 cups of water (adjust as needed based on desired consistency) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional) Honey or jaggery (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Combine the soaked ragi and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the ragi is cooked and softened. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any residue. Stir in the cardamom powder and sweetener (if using) to taste. Chill and enjoy your homemade ragi milk!

Method 2: Blender

Ingredients and Equipment

1/2 cup (about 60 grams) ragi washed and soaked for 6-8 hours 4 cups of water (adjust as needed based on desired consistency) 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional) Honey or jaggery (optional, to taste) A few ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. If using ice cubes, blend until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy your cool and refreshing ragi milk!

Tips for a Creamier and More Flavorful Ragi Milk

1. Fine Powder: For a creamier texture, grind the soaked ragi into a fine powder before adding it to the water.

2. Additional Spices: Add other spices such as ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg for additional flavor.

3. Smoothie Twist: Try incorporating fruits like bananas, mangoes, or berries for a smoothie-like twist.

4. Storage: Ragi milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it fresh whenever you want!

Another Approach to Making Ragi Milk

For a slight variation, you can prepare ragi finger millet milk with the following steps:

Ingredients and Equipment

2-3 tablespoons of ragi flour A small bowl for mixing 1 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of water or as needed for batter consistency Sweetener of your choice (optional) Cardamom or vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the ragi flour with a little water to make a smooth paste. In a saucepan, heat a cup of milk until warm but not boiling. Gradually whisk the ragi paste into the warm milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid sticking to the bottom. Add sweetener to taste (such as sugar or honey). You can also add a pinch of cardamom or a drop of vanilla extract for flavor. Keep stirring and cooking until the ragi mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the ragi milk from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can strain the mixture if you prefer a smoother texture.

The ragi milk is ready! Enjoy this delicious and healthy drink any time you want.

If you have any questions or tips you'd like to share, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!