What Is RAGI Porridge(Without Dal)?
In South Indian homes, a bowl of savory ragi porridge is like a warm hug from the earth. It’s calming, nourishing, and incredibly gut-friendly. This version, gently spiced and deeply satisfying, is ideal for those looking for a sattvic, gluten-free, and easily digestible meal.
What Is RAGI Porridge?
Savory Ragi Porridge (also called Kezhvaragu Kanji or Nachni Kanji) is made by cooking ragi (finger millet) flour with water and finishing it with butter-removed buttermilk, salt, and digestive spices like cumin. It’s traditionally consumed as a cooling meal, particularly in hot climates or during recovery.
How to Make RAGI Porridge: The Traditional Way
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ragi flour
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup buttermilk (made from churned curd with butter removed)
- ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
- A small piece of grated ginger (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh curry leaves (optional)
- Rock salt to taste
🥣 Method:
- Make a Smooth Slurry:
- Cook the Ragi:
- Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil in a thick-bottomed pan.
- Slowly add the ragi slurry while continuously stirring.
- Cook on low flame for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy.
- Cool Slightly:
- Switch off the heat and allow it to cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Buttermilk:
- Add butter-removed buttermilk, salt, cumin powder, ginger, and curry leaves.
- Mix well. Do not reheat after adding buttermilk to avoid curdling.
🌿 Ayurvedic Benefits
- Balances vata and pitta – grounding and cooling
- Rich in calcium & iron – supports bones and blood
- Improves digestion – cumin and ginger enhance agni
- Aids in hydration and soothes the gut lining
Strengthens ojas (vital energy) without aggravating toxins (ama)
💡Pro Tips from the Indian Kitchen
- Avoid boiling after adding buttermilk – it keeps the probiotics and taste intact.
- For better digestion, lightly dry-roast ragi flour before making the slurry.
- Use earthenware for a traditional flavor and cooling effect.
- Can be thinned out with more water or buttermilk for a lighter consistency.
❤️ Why We Love RAGI porridge
- A complete light meal with high satiety
- Perfect for fasting, post-illness recovery, or hot days
- Easily adaptable – add greens like moringa or cooked ash gourd for extra nutrition
🧘 Ideal For
- Ayurvedic light diet routines
- Postpartum, elderly, or weakened digestion
- Detox days or days after overeating
- Those seeking non-spicy, gluten-free, and wholesome options
