Divya’s Nalabhagam – Authentic Home-Style Indian Vegetarian Recipes

Welcome to Divya’s Nalabhagam. I’m Divya, a passionate home cook with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of cooking experience. This blog shares authentic South and North Indian vegetarian recipes inspired by homestyle cooking and family traditions — from easy breakfast recipes and Indian sweets to kuzhambu, side dishes, rice varieties, and festival recipes, all prepared with simple ingredients and explained step by step.

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Ragi Idli | Finger Millet Idli

Ragi idli | Finger Millet Idli


Ragi idli,finger millet idli



Ragi Idli, also known as Finger Millet Idli, is a healthy and delicious breakfast option that combines the goodness of ragi flour (finger millet) with the protein-rich urad dal (black gram). This recipe is a fantastic way to start your day with a nutrient-dense, gluten-free meal that is light on the stomach yet keeps you energized for hours. The soft and fluffy idlis not only taste amazing but are also an excellent choice for anyone looking to incorporate healthier options into their diet, especially those focusing on weight management, diabetes-friendly meals, or calcium-rich foods.

 

Ragi is celebrated as a superfood, packed with calcium, iron, and fiber, making it ideal for people of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly. Paired with urad dal, which is a powerhouse of protein, potassium, and other essential nutrients, Ragi Idli becomes a well-balanced and wholesome dish. This recipe is not only nutritious but also incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.

 

The process involves soaking and grinding urad dal into a fluffy batter, then mixing it with nutrient-rich ragi flour to create a perfectly fermentable batter. After an overnight fermentation process, these idlis can be steamed like traditional ones, resulting in soft, spongy, and flavorful idlis that are perfect for a hearty breakfast.


Why You Should Try Ragi Idli

Rich in Calcium: Ragi is one of the richest plant-based sources of calcium, making it excellent for bone health.
High Fiber Content: It helps improve digestion and keeps you full for longer, aiding in weight management.
Diabetes-Friendly: Ragi has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal choice for those managing blood sugar levels.
Protein-Packed: Urad dal adds a healthy dose of protein, perfect for vegetarians.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Pair these idlis with sambar, coconut chutney, or tomato chutney for a wholesome South Indian breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular rice idlis or want to explore millet-based recipes, Ragi Idli is a must-try.



Ingredients

Ragi flour -2 cups
Urad dal -1/2 cup
Salt to taste

Method 

👉Wash and soak the urad dal for 2 hours and grind to smooth frothy batter.

👉In a mixing bowl or vessel add the ragi flour,urad dal batter ,salt and mix well.Close with lid and allow it to ferment overnight.

👉Grease the idli plates with gingelly oil and pour laddle full of batter on to the moulds.



👉Steam cook for 10 mins.


👉Gently remove the ragi idli from the moulds and serve hot with tomato chutney/ coconut chutney.



Total Preparation Time -12 hrs for fermentation
15-20 mins for cooking
Serves -4
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