Millet Balls Recipe: A Nutritious Addition To Your Weight Loss Diet!

Hey, food lovers! Millets are in season, and we often add them to our diets to stay healthy. Today, let us talk about one of the best traditional millet balls recipe from Karnataka, made from ragi or finger millet. There, it is also known as ‘ragi mudde’. The first time I had the experience of trying Ragi Mudde was in my grandmother’s village. She insisted me try this traditional millet ball as it is filling and also great for keeping the weight in control.

In the beginning, I was a little skeptical — a finger millet ball in a dark brown color cannot be exciting, can it? But then, after tasting it, I realized how wrong I was. It was soft and earthy, complementing perfectly with spicy curry. The best part is that it’s really healthy and has helped me during my weight loss journey as well. To shuru karein? Yes!

Explore The World Of Millets Before Rolling Your Millet Balls!

As a run-up to my guide on making ragi balls, let us begin by looking at the wonderful variety of millet in India. Honestly, I am rather astonished by how these ancient grains are popping up in our kitchens-and for all the right reasons! According to APEDA, we have the following millets in India:

• Sorghum Or Jowar: It is one of those gems that happens to be gluten-free, and I love it because it’s high in protein and fiber, thus good for digestion.
  
• Pearl Millet Or Bajra: It is a staple in most Indian homes in the wintertime. I rely on it for iron, which brings me much-needed energy, especially on those cold days.
  
• Foxtail Millet: This is slowly gaining popularity because of its rich antioxidant content—something I try to include in my meals whenever I can.
  
• Kodo Millet: It is used for managing blood sugar levels, so I always keep it in mind when planning a healthy meal. There are other small millets as well like foxtail, barnyard, proso millet, etc.
  
• Finger Millet Or Ragi: This is what steals the limelight for me out of every millet. If you are like me and on the lookout for something that helps you lose weight and contains generous amounts of calcium, then your best friend is ragi! I love its versatility, and adding it to regular dishes is really easy.

Talking about ragi, I would like to move on to sharing the traditional ‘ragi mudde’ recipe with you. You can also prepare the same dish with other millet, but this recipe revolves around ragi or finger millet as it is the most nutritious.

So, let’s move on to making Ragi Mudde!

Step-By-Step Guide For Making Finger Millet Balls At Home

I learned this finger millet recipe from my dadi. Since then, I’ve been an admirer of this dish and prepare it quite often. My grandmother said that while making, if a little ghee is added, then the taste will be much better, and ragi will be digested easily.

So, just follow the below steps, and you will get a plateful of Ragi Mudde:

• First, you have to boil 2 cups of water in a deep pan. Add a pinch of salt for the taste.
  
• Now, take out two teaspoons of ragi flour from the 1 cup and mix it with a little water to make a smooth paste.
  
• Once the water inside the saucepan has started boiling, gently pour the ragi slurry and mix well.
  
• Then, lower the flame and add the remaining ragi flour to the boiling water. Always stir it down so that the lumps will not form.
  
• Keep stirring until the mixture turns to dough consistency. It would be in the range of 5 to 7 minutes. Do not leave lumps of raw flour. You could use a strong spatula or a wooden stick to mix.
  
• Once the dough lumps into a smooth single mass, turn off the heat. Let it cool just a little for, say, two minutes.
  
• In the end, grease your hands with a bit of ghee (optional, but healthier touch) and shape the dough into small balls.

Serve Ragi Mudde or finger millet balls with a side of Sambar, Rasam, or any light curry to make a balanced meal!

Point To Remember: If it starts to stick away from your utensils and can easily be scraped off as a big lump, that is the sign that ragi has been properly cooked now. You can also check this by wetting your fingers with water and touching the cooked ragi lump. If it is non-sticky and you can roll it into a ball, then it has been well-cooked and ready.

Discover The Nutritional Values Of Ragi Mudde

The other thing I have loved about Ragi Mudde all my life is that although it is pretty filling, it does not feel heavy at all. Fiber-rich, protein-rich, and rich in minerals like calcium and iron, it is healthy for those who want to keep it light. Good for Weight Watchers and great for those looking to eat a little better.

Let’s take a look at the nutrition breakdown- you’ll be surprised by what’s packed into each little bite!

Here’s an approximate nutritional value for 100 gm of Ragi Mudde or balls made from Finger millet, excluding ghee.

• Calories:  336 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 72.6 g
• Protein: 7.7 g
• Fat: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 11.5 g
• Calcium: 350 mg
• Iron: 3.9 mg
• Potassium: 408 mg

Please note that these values are just estimates and can vary depending on the quality and quantity of ingredients used. It also depends on the variety of ragi and its growing conditions.

Ragi Magic: Know The 5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Finger Millet Balls

I can only praise how amazing Ragi Mudde is for my health! It also happens to be a favorite of mine by way of taste, apart from the fact that it provides an array of health benefits that make it a top pick when I have to have something light yet filling.

Let me walk you through some of the surprising ragi benefits that I have personally experienced with this dish:

1. Keeps You Full for Hours

The best thing about ragi is that it is superbly rich in fiber; hence, I am not guilty of munching on a few of these ragi rolls. It keeps me full for hours, hence preventing me from overeating. If you are the one who gets hungry soon after meals, this will be a game-changer.

2. Packed with Calcium for Strong Bones

The coolest thing I learned about Ragi is that it’s a fantastic source of calcium—way more than other grains. Adding this to my diet, I noticed my nails and hair were feeling stronger, too. It’s like getting a bone-strengthening boost with every bite!

3. A Natural Weight Loss Buddy

Ragi Mudde became my weight loss partner in crime! As it is low in calories and high in nutrients, I did not feel like I was cutting down on anything when I switched to this for lunch. It has helped me manage my weight without getting those dreaded hunger pangs.

4. Increases Iron Levels

I always felt sluggish most of the time, but ever since I began taking these Ragi millet balls regularly, I have noticed a great change in energy levels. This is because Ragi is rich in iron, which just goes great with increasing the hemoglobin levels in the body. If you are running low on iron, like I was for several years, use some Ragi in your diet for anemia to relieve some of the fatigue.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar

Finger millet’s polyphenols aid in delaying digestion. This helps in the management of blood sugar levels in diabetics. It has been discovered that a finger millet-based diet benefits diabetics since it includes more fiber than rice or wheat.

So, be it to keep you fuller, help you lose weight, or improve your health, Ragi Mudde recipe is up for the task! It is one of those simple foods that is easily available and healthy and sure to leave you in awe if you try it out for yourself!

How Ragi Mudde Can Help You Achieve Weight Loss? Here’s The Secret!

I would say Ragi can be a total game-changer in weight loss. It’s one of those foods that keeps you satisfied without the guilt- and trust me, that is a hard balance to strike! So, let’s look at exactly how Ragi contributes to your weight loss journey:

1. High Fiber, Low Calorie: One of the first things that I noticed when I started having Ragi millet balls is how full I feel for hours, though the calorie count is way too low. The high fiber content works like magic-it keeps you from feeling hungry and reduces the urge to snack between meals.

2. Helps Curb Cravings: One can say ragi is an anti-craving food. I had extremely strong sugar cravings in the evening, which completely faded away within a few days of consuming Ragi Mudde for meals. Yes, I noticeably cut down on junk food cravings with it. It stabilizes blood sugar levels, thus reducing mood swings and better dealing with cravings for unhealthy snacks!

3. Slow Energy Release: I just love it, though, that with Ragi, there is a slow release of energy in the body throughout the day. That’s a big deal for weight loss because you’re not getting this rush of energy and then plummeting. I didn’t feel tired; I was more energetic, with the ability to power through my workouts without feeling drained.

4. High In Nutrients So You’re Not Missing Anything: At times, you feel that you are sacrificing most of your desires and pleasures when it comes to weight loss. However, Ragi provides you with loads of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and amino acids. So even while you’re cutting back on calories, you’re not cutting out important nutrients—which made me feel healthier overall.

So, if you want a fat-cutter dish with ample nutrition, try including Ragi balls in your diet. It’s helped me be on track, feel full, and keep my energy level up as I lose those extra kilos. Here’s to trying it out and seeing the difference for myself!

8 Amazing Tips To Make Lump-Free Finger Millet Balls Every Time!

Now, you know the recipe but to make the perfect ragi balls, there are some tips and tricks. I am sharing all of them with you below:

• Choose Quality Flour: First things first, I always make sure to use good quality and fresh ragi flour. Trust me, old stock can have a weird smell and taste that ruins the dish.
  
• Sift The Flour: I always sieve the ragi flour before cooking. This little step helps eliminate any small lumps and removes coarse particles, giving me a smoother dough.
  
• Adjust Water Carefully: The amount of water you need can vary based on the quality of the ragi flour. I’ve found that very fine ragi flour requires less water than coarsely ground flour.
  
• Start With A Basic Ratio: I usually start with a 1:1.5 ratio of ragi to water. This gives me a good base, and I can always add more water if needed.
  
• Use Hot Water For Consistency: If the dough feels too dry after cooking, I sprinkle in some hot water. It’s a simple trick to achieve the right consistency.
  
• Mix With The Right Tools: To avoid lumps, I use a mudde kolu (a thick wooden stick) for mixing. If I don’t have that handy, the round bottom of a wooden spatula does the job perfectly.
  
• Add Rock Salt: I’ve found that rock salt can also help break down lumps while mixing, making the process smoother.
  
• Mix Vigorously: Finally, I really put some elbow grease into it! I mix the ragi flour with force for at least five minutes. This not only helps get a soft Ragi Mudde but also breaks down any stubborn lumps.

With these tips, I can make soft and lump-free Ragi Mudde or finger millet balls every time! Give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll love the results too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Millet Balls Healthy?

Absolutely! Millet balls are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They help in digestion and fill you up, and they are perfect for those following a healthy diet. And they are super easy to make!

How To Eat Finger Millet Balls?

Ragi balls are best enjoyed with a side of curry or dal! Simply dip the ball into the gravy, break off a piece, and eat it. You can also pair them with sambhar or chutney for a more traditional flavor.

Is Ragi Mudde Healthy?

Yes, ragi mudde is super healthy. It is doused with calcium, fiber, and iron, making it ideal for great bone health and digestion and keeping you full longer. Added to that, it is low-calorie and a perfect recipe for weight management!

Who Should Not Eat Millet?

For those with thyroid conditions, its intake must be decreased since it contains goitrogens, which interfere with thyroid functions. Also, people with grain sensitivities or particular digestive conditions should not consume it without consulting their doctor.

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Disclaimer

This recipe was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.