Ragi Koozh / Finger Millet Porridge

Ragi koozh or porridge is a drink made from finger millet flour..Millet (ragi) has many nutritional benefits..This is a popular drink in South India..It cools the body and a glass of this keeps you full for about 8 hours..I found a packet of finger millet flour in an Indian store and was immediately reminded of my grandma making this koozh often..I did not like it much as a child as it never tasted too good..However, my mom used to make a sweet version, which we loved..

Here comes the recipe for both versions..

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Finger Millet flour - 1 cup

Water - 1 1/2 cups

Salt to taste

Yoghurt/ Buttermilk - 1/2 cup

Directions

Add water to the ragi flour and mix it with your fingers so that there are no lumps..Allow it to sit for a while for atleast an hour.This helps in the fermentation process.Fermentation helps in increasing its nutritional benefits several folds..It can also be left overnight..

In a saucepan, cook the ragi water mixture on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until almost all the water evaporates and the ragi is well cooked. Keep stirring continuously without allowing lumps to form. It must have the consistency of a thick batter..

Switch off the heat and allow it to cool completely..

Mix in a pinch of salt and buttermilk and serve cool..Can be had by itself or with a pearl onion or curry of your choice..

The sweet version..After cooking the ragi, add milk and sugar or milk and jaggery..We loved this version..

Since this is a healthy and diet conscious food, this is my entry for Diet Foods being hosted in my blog..

Final date for sending in the entries:Oct 26th

Also sending this to FIC:Brown hosted at Tongueticklers

And also to Low and slow cooking hosted at The constables Larder

And also to Eat Healthy:Fight Diabetes