Instant ragi dosa

Ragi dosa sounds like it needs planning, but this instant version does not. You mix ragi flour with curd and water, rest the batter while the tawa heats, and start pouring. Ragi (finger millet) is naturally rich in iron and calcium, and this dosa gives you a warm, steady start to the day without any overnight fermentation.

Why it helps

Ragi is a whole millet, so it carries its fibre with it. Fibre slows down how fast your breakfast turns into sugar in the blood, which means steadier energy and fewer mid-morning cravings. The curd in the batter adds a little protein and softness too. If you are curious about millets beyond ragi, read our guide on millets in an Indian diet.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 cup ragi flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour (for crispness)
• 1/2 cup curd
• 1 small onion, very finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• A few curry leaves, torn
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water, to make a thin, pourable batter
• Oil, for the tawa

Method

1. In a large bowl, whisk the ragi flour, rice flour, curd and salt with enough water to make a thin batter, thinner than regular dosa batter, almost like buttermilk.
2. Stir in the onion, green chilli, curry leaves and cumin. Rest for 10 minutes while the tawa heats.
3. Heat the tawa on medium-high until a drop of water sizzles. Wipe it with a few drops of oil.
4. Stir the batter well, then pour it from a height in a circle, starting at the edges and moving in. The gaps make it lacy.
5. Drizzle a little oil around the edges. Cook until the dosa looks dry on top and crisp at the edges, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Fold and serve hot with coconut chutney or any chutney at home. Stir the batter before every dosa, as ragi settles.

Make it your own

• Add grated carrot or finely chopped methi leaves to the batter for extra colour and fibre.
• Serve with a katori of sambar to push the protein up with dal.
• For softer dosas for children or elders, make the batter slightly thicker and cook on lower heat.

Enjoy it as part of the CurviCare Plate. If you are eating for thyroid health, see our hypothyroid Indian diet guide.