Hello, Hello Readers!
April is upon us and as the mercury soars, its time to find clever ways to stay cool and healthy. Today, I’m sharing with you a recipe that’s been a staple in my family for generations – Ragi Kanji. This isn’t just any summer beverage; it's a nutritious powerhouse that has been nurturing my family through the scorching heat with its cooling properties.
Why I Swear by Ragi Kanji:
- It's genuinely delicious -you will want to make it an everyday summer ritual!
- It's incredibly hydrating, which is a blessing during those hot summer days.
- The natural cooling effect of ragi helps us beat the heat without resorting to sugary drinks.
- It’s a wonder for digestion, keeping those summer tummy troubles at bay.
- The complex carbs in ragi provide long-lasting energy without any sugar crashes.
- It's a gluten-free miracle, perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Here's How I Make My Delicious Ragi Kanji:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of ragi flour
- 2 cups of water
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- A swirl of buttermilk or a dollop of yogurt to serve (also optional)
- My special touch: mustard seeds, curry leaves, a bit of chopped onion, and fresh coriander leaves for garnish
The Ritual:
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Creating the Base: In a little bowl, I mix the ragi flour with a bit of water until it feels like a smooth, comforting paste.
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The Boiling Point: I bring the water to a boil, salting it just a tad.
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Bringing it Together: Next, I take the ragi paste and gradually introduce it to the boiling water, stirring steadily with the patience of a saint to avoid lumpy surprises.
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The Simmer: The mixture then simmers softly, thickening as it bubbles away, transforming into a porridge-like consistency.
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A Touch of Magic: Sometimes, I like to jazz things up with a quick tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves sautéed in half a spoon of oil and then poured over the top.
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Cool Comfort: I let the kanji come to a rest, cool down, and then serve it with buttermilk, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
I feel that Ragi Kanji is more than just a drink; it’s a nurturing embrace from Mother Earth, a tribute to our wise ancestors who understood the art of living harmoniously with nature. Whether you need a post-workout refreshment or a light meal to carry you through the day, this is your golden ticket.
Mama’s Tips & Tricks:
Q: "Can I sweeten my Ragi Kanji?" A: "Of course, ! A spoonful of honey or jaggery can sweeten your day just right."
Q: "How long does it stay?" A: "In the cool confines of a refrigerator, it stays fresh for a day. Remember to give it a good stir before pouring."
Q: "Is this suitable for the little ones?" A: "Indeed, it is! Just make sure it's smooth and mild for their young palates."
In case you have your own version of this recipe do let me know @ care@wisemama.in!
Sending you all a breeze of coolness and a heart full of love,
Wise Mama