Ragi / Finger Millet Semiya (Noodles)

Jayasri Ravi — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 04:37:37 +0000

Ragi (Nachni) / Finger millet Semiya (Noodles) is a healthy South Indian breakfast. This can be prepared for Lunch or Dinner as well. Ragi is the Kannada name to the red millet from the family of millets is a staple food of Karnataka.

WHAT IS RAGI?

Ragi or Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana) is an annual plant. Earliest records of this show it was cultivated in India, particularly in the southern parts of India especially in the regions of Karnataka. It is a staple diet in Karnataka, It is also called poor man's protein diet. It was referred to as 'famine crop' or 'Poor man's crop' as it was always seen as farmers staple food, making little balls out of the flour which is called as 'Ragi Balls' or called in Kannada as 'Ragi mudde' (will post the recipe soon) was and still is his diet when he went farming. This is still used as an important part of our diet in rural parts in Karnataka. This is very fulfilling and keeps your hunger at bay.

WHY RAGI AS BREAKFAST?

Breakfast is a quintessential part of our daily life, it is the most important meal of the day. You can indulge with tempting, tasty and healthy recipes, and make your breakfast a worthwhile. Ragi is one of the most nutritional and healthy grain. Breakfast with Ragi is very fulfilling and keeps your hunger at bay.

Even as a kid I used to like it, My children wouldn't eat because of the colour. Nowadays they have started liking it. Especially they love it when I make this Semiya (Noodles) dish and it doesn't even taste like Ragi! that's their verdict. So, now this is always in my breakfast list. Children happy so Mummy is happy when they eat healthy food.

RAGI IN VARIOUS DIETS

In my state(Karnataka), we make a special diet for babies using this flour and is called as ' Ragi Siri' (Homemade Baby food)! (will post the recipe). My children grew up eating Ragi siri!! These days people have realized the nutritive value of this little grain, even in urban areas, now when I visit India (Karnataka) I have started seeing them in restaurants!!

Benefits of Ragi are said to control Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Cancer, and a lot more. It is said that Ragi is said to be rich in protein which is easily absorbed by the human body. It is also rich in Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and Iron. It is said that Ragi reduces cholesterol. It is also gluten-free.

RAGI AS A MILLET

Among the millets, comparable to foxtail millet and Kodo millet, studies have also shown that finger millet controls blood glucose levels, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Finger millet has also shown promise in accelerating wound healing among diabetics. Diabetic patients are advised to eat Finger Millet for this reason.

That's a lot of things we have come to know of this little grain, let's get to the recipe then, on how to make Ragi Semiya (Noodles).

RAGI / FINGER MILLET OTTU SHAVIGE OR SEMIYA (NOODLES / VERMICELLI)
Vegan South Indian Karnataka Style fresh Homemade semiya (Noodles)
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Recipe Author: Jayasri

Ingredients:
1 Cup Ragi / Finger Millet Flour
1 & 1/2 Cup Water
1 tsp Oil
1 tsp salt

Method:
In a heavy-bottomed vessel add water and a tsp of oil and salt allow it to boil. Once it starts boiling bring it to a low flame. In a cup take 1 to 2 tbsp of water and dissolve a tsp of ragi flour dissolve it and add it to the boiling water, after a minute add the flour into the vessel in the middle and immerse a wooden stick or a spatula or label in it.

Close the lid (it won't close completely) not to worry. Leave it for 7 to 8 minutes, water starts rising to cover the flour. Remove the lid and switch off the stove, stir vigorously to bring all the flour together, sprinkle little more water and close the lid.
After 2 minutes, remove it on to a plate. It will be very hot so dip your hand in water every time, start bringing the dough together into a dough ball. Knead the dough into a smooth ball.
Now your base for the Ragi Semiya (Noodles / Ottu shavige) dough is ready.

HOW TO MAKE RAGI SEMIYA (NOODLES) / OTTU SHAVIGE:

Once the dough is ready to use a Shavige maker or Chakkuli maker to make Ottu shavige. Make around 3 balls fill it into the dough maker and press it. Use the Thenzgol press or the Omam Pudi press which has large holes or small holes whichever you choose and make the Shavige.

Press the shavige into Idli plates or some vessel you can use for a steamer. Place it in a cooker and steam just like you make Idlies for 12 to 15 minutes.
Take it out and spread it on a plate so they don't One another.

I have made a powder to use for the Bath, Here is how you make that powder to the Bath

CURRY LEAVES POWDER:
INGREDIENTS:
1 & 1/2 Tbsp Channa Dal
1/2 tbsp Urad Dal
25 curry Leaves
1 tsp Black Pepper
2 flakes of Tamarind
1/2 tsp Oil

METHOD:
In a wok fry with a tsp of oil, all the above said ingredients until a nice aroma comes out and the dals change colour. Once the dals cool down powder it and keep it ready.

HOW TO MAKE RAGI SEMIYA (NOODLES) / OTTU SHAVIGE BATH:

INGREDIENTS:
3 to 4 Tbsp of oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp of channa dal
1/2 tbsp of urad dal
few curry leaves
1/4 fresh coconut
few coriander leaves
Salt as required

METHOD:
In a large wok, heat oil add mustard seeds, once they splutter add the green chilies, dals and curry leaves and fry for few minutes in a medium flame once they change colour.
Add the steamed Ottu shavige and salt as required mix well and carefully so they don't break up, then add the curry leaves powder around 3 to 4 tbsp (use it as per your taste).
Mix everything well close a lid and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes.
After 3 minutes switch of the stove remove the lid sprinkle fresh coconut and chopped fresh coriander leaves thoroughly mix everything together.
Serve warm and enjoy this Ragi Semiya (noodles).

Verdict: My family loves it, according to my children you won't even know that it is made of Ragi.