Why Ragi and Jowar This Monsoon?
As the humidity rises during the rainy season, our digestive systems can become more sluggish. Millets like ragi (finger millet) and jowar (sorghum) are excellent choices for this time of year. They are generally considered easier to digest and are packed
with essential nutrients like fibre, iron, and calcium. Incorporating them into your diet can help you feel more energetic and less bloated, all while enjoying delicious, home-cooked food. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with sensitivities.
Swap Rice Murukku for Jowar Chakli
The crispy, spiral-shaped murukku or chakli is a tea-time favourite, but the traditional rice-flour version can be dense. A jowar-based chakli offers a fantastic alternative. Jowar flour gives the snack a unique, slightly earthy flavour and a wonderfully crunchy texture. These chaklis are not only delicious but also bring the goodness of sorghum, which is rich in protein and fibre. You can prepare the dough with jowar flour, a bit of chickpea flour (besan) for binding, and spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and sesame seeds before deep-frying or baking them to golden perfection.
Swap Rice Vada for Ragi Vada
Move over, standard rice-flour vadas. Ragi vadas are a nutritious powerhouse and a popular snack in many parts of South India. Ragi flour, blended with chopped onions, green chillies, curry leaves, and sometimes peanuts for extra crunch, creates a flavourful and satisfying fritter. Despite their dark colour, these vadas are incredibly tasty and provide a significant dose of calcium and fibre. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a side of coconut chutney.
Swap Puffed Rice Bhel for Jowar Puffs Chaat
Bhel puri made with puffed rice is a street-food classic. For a healthier twist that doesn't sacrifice the crunch, try making chaat with jowar puffs. These puffs are light, airy, and serve as a fantastic, nutrient-dense base. Combine them with chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and coriander. Drizzle with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy mint chutney, and finish with a sprinkle of chaat masala and a squeeze of lime. This jowar puff bhel offers more fibre and a lower glycemic index compared to its rice-based counterpart, making for guilt-free indulgence.
Swap Rice Dosa for Ragi Dosa
While the classic rice dosa is beloved, the ragi dosa is a worthy and wholesome competitor, perfect for a light meal or a hearty snack. Making instant ragi dosa is simple: just mix ragi flour with buttermilk or yoghurt, add some water to get the right consistency, and season with salt, cumin, and chopped green chillies. The resulting dosas are thin, crispy, and have a distinct nutty flavour. They are an excellent source of calcium and dietary fibre, helping with satiety and blood sugar regulation. Serve them hot with sambar and chutney for a complete and nourishing meal.
Swap Rice Kheer for Ragi Porridge
When you're craving something sweet and comforting, a warm bowl of ragi porridge, also known as ragi manni or kanji, is a wonderful alternative to rice kheer. Cook ragi flour with milk or water until it thickens, and sweeten it with jaggery for a traditional touch. You can enhance the flavour by adding a pinch of cardamom powder, grated coconut, and a few nuts. This porridge is not only soothing but also incredibly nutritious, making it an ideal healthy dessert or even a light breakfast to enjoy on a cool, rainy day.
