New Delhi: Ragi Ambli, or finger millet porridge, is a classic and highly nutritious dish from Karnataka that has been loved for its flavours for generations. It is a wholesome drink that is not only a staple in many parts of Karnataka but is also getting widely popular as a health-boosting breakfast choice. Prepared from ragi (finger millet) flour, buttermilk, and mild spices, Ragi Ambli is an amazing source of important nutrients such as calcium, iron, fibre, and protein. It is very beneficial for bone health, digestion, and overall immunity, which makes it an excellent choice for people of all age groups.

The tempering of Karnataka-style Ragi Ambli is what makes it special. The flavourful onion-green chilli tempering enhances its taste and adds a mild crunch to the smooth porridge-like consistency. The traditional method of making Ragi Ambli involves cooking ragi flour with water to make a smooth, lump-free paste, which is then mixed with buttermilk to get a light, cooling texture. Addition of finely chopped onions, green chillies, and seasoning with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of asafoetida makes this dish extremely refreshing, as well as loaded with flavours.

This dish is enjoyed in two forms, which makes it a drinkable version where it is a bit thin and can be consumed like a smoothie, or a thick porridge version that can be eaten with pickles or chutney. While it is mostly made as a simple dish, the tempering of onion-green chilli adds an extra layer of taste, which makes it even more satisfying.

Karnataka-Style ragi ambli

Ragi Ambli is a highly nourishing, gut-friendly, and probiotic drink, which is perfect for hot summers or can also be consumed as a light, energy-boosting breakfast. Here’s how to make this refreshing drink:

Ingredients: (Serves 2-3)

For the ragi ambli base:

¼ cup ragi (finger millet) flour
1 cup water (for cooking)
1 cup buttermilk or ½ cup curd + ½ cup water, whisked
Salt to taste

For tempering:

1 tsp oil (preferably coconut oil)
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 green chilli (finely chopped)
2 tbsp onion (finely chopped)
5-6 curry leaves
1 tbsp coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Take a bowl and mix ragi flour with ½ cup of water in it. Make sure there are no lumps in it.
2. Boil ½ cup of water in a pan and then slowly add the ragi mixture to it while stirring continuously.
3. Cook this on low heat for 5-7 minutes while stirring until the mixture gets thick and turns glossy.
4. Remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit.
5. Add buttermilk and salt.
6. Once the cooked mixture is cooled, add buttermilk and salt to taste to this.
7. Whisk it well to get a smooth and drinkable texture.
8. To prepare the tempering, take a small pan and heat 1 tsp of oil.
9. Once heated, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
10. Now, add cumin seeds, chopped green chilli, curry leaves, and onions to it.
11. Sauté this for 1-2 minutes.
12. Pour this prepared tempering over the ragi ambli and mix it nicely.
13. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled.

Benefits of having Ragi Ambli

Ragi Ambli is a preferred breakfast option during hot summers as it helps in keeping the body cool and provides long-lasting energy without making one too full. It is loaded with fibre content, which helps in digestion, whereas the combination of buttermilk and spices improves gut health. Unlike sugary breakfast cereals, this savoury version of ragi porridge helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels, which makes it an excellent choice for diabetics and fitness fanatics.