Ragi Roti – Gluten free Roti

Millets had been part of regular diet in India since old days. However with time these got forgotten and replaced by wheat and rice. There are different types of millets-Barnyard millet, Foxtail Millet, Finger Millet (Ragi), Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Little millet etc.

With recent rise in gluten allergies and also unavailability of pure wheat flour (chemically bleached or treated), people’s attention has again gone to these ancient millets. One such grain is Ragi, also known as Nachni or Finger millet. Ragi roti is fast gaining popularity because of number of health benefits that comes with it, especially when you compare it with wheat roti.

First of all, Ragi roti is gluten free which makes it a great substitute of wheat roti, especially for people with gluten allergies. It is also recommended to diabetic people by many dieticians/nutritionists as it helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. Ragi is helpful in weight loss due to its high fibre content which keeps cravings at bay and makes one feel full for longer. Apart from this Ragi is considered to be a source of good carbs, protein, calcium and minerals. It consists of micro nutrients like manganese, phosphorus and iron etc.

Initially when I tried to make ragi rotis, they came out thick and chewy. Also, the dough was kind of sticky and difficult to handle. However on my recent trip to home, my nani (grandmother) shared her recipe of ragi rotis and I was surprised to see how simple it is to make them. I would request you to follow the exact proportions and steps as mentioned below and I am sure you will get soft thin Ragi rotis in first attempt only.

It is an easy and quick to make Ragi Roti recipe. I have used 100% ragi flour here. No wheat flour or other flour has been mixed. You can easily buy Ragi flour from Amazon .

Also, I have shared a youtube video for the same in case you have some confusion at any step.

Youtube Video:

List of Ingredients: (Makes 4 rotis)

Ragi flour(Finger Millet Flour) – ½ cup + 2tbsp
Water – ½ cup
Salt – to taste
Ghee – 1 tbsp

Steps to prepare:

Step1:
Measure 1/2 cup of Ragi flour and keep it aside. Please note we are saving remaining dry flour for making rotis at later stage.

Step2:
Heat water in a heavy bottomed pan. Add some salt to it. Let the water boil completely.

Step3:
Add the measured Ragi flour to boiling water. Mix it well with spatula. Switch off the flame in 5 seconds. Keep mixing it till there is no water left behind. You will notice the flour will change colour and release an earthy aroma.

Step4:
Transfer it in a plate and let it cool down. Rub some ghee on your palms and knead the dough well till it is nice and smooth.

Step5:
Divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll them into smooth balls.

Step6:
Take one ball, press it gently between your palms. Apply some dry flour on it and roll it into a circle. Keep it aside. Repeat this for remaining three balls.