RAGI JAVA

Ragi Java or Ragi malt is a popular drink in South India. Ragi java is a healthy drink especially during Summer. Ragi or Finger Millet contains high amount of calcium. Ragi has an average protein content of 9.8% with well balanced amoni acids, Phosphorus,  Vitamin A and Vitamin B .

In South India during Summer season,  Ragi Java is prepared daily in homes early in the morning. A glass of Ragi Java is taken and then they proceed for work or school. It is believed that the heat impact  / sunstroke and weakness is minimized by drinking Ragi malt.

There are various methods of preparing Ragi Malt. Easy to prepare and can be done by bachelors too. Ragi flour is available in packs at your nearby retail store.

It was a big ordeal in the earlier days for washing the ragi, spreading it on a thick cloth and drying in the sun for 2 – 3 days. Later on it was powdered in the mill and then the powder was sifted prior to use. The powder would be soaked and the husk would be disposed off ( deep maroon sediment). Currently you need to go to the provision store and pick your pack. Suggest you take a small pack if your family is small.

Serves – 4

Ingredients:

Ragi flour : 4 table spoon

Butter milk : 2 glasses

Water: 4 to 5 cups

Salt : to taste

Procedure for RAGI JAVA:

• Add 4 cups of water in a SS vessel and place it over flame.
• Dissolve ragi powder in ½ cup of water, mix well to avoid lumps.
• When the water boils, reduce flame and add ragi mix into boiling water.
• Keep on stirring till the preparation becomes thick, Add salt to it.
• Note: The mix will get burnt at the bottom of vessel if high flame is maintained.
• Take off flame and leave it to cool.
• Add butter milk and mix well.
• Ragi Java is ready to drink. Serve into glasses and ensure they drink it.

Nourishing drink during hot summers. Consume ragi java and then plan a day out , you will not feel tired with the scorch heat.

If your kids dislike the salty taste you can follow this option of sweet Ragi Java:

Procedure for RAGI JAVA (Sweet variety) :

• Add 4 cups of water in a SS vessel and place it over flame.
• Dissolve ragi powder in ½ cup of water, mix well to avoid lumps.
• When the water boils, reduce flame and add ragi mix into boiling water.
• Add 2 cups of milk and 4 table spoons of sugar , maintain medium flame.
• Keep on stirring till the preparation becomes semi thick
• Note: The mix will get burnt at the bottom of vessel if high flame is maintained and not stirred continuously.
• Take off flame and leave it to cool.
• Refrigerate for 15 mins .(optional)
• Ragi Java- sweet variety is ready to drink. Serve into glasses.

A surprise for your kids this summer.

You can add flavors to it by adding sliced mango, blended mango or any other fruit .

Quick tips:

For ease you can commonly make the malt and pour it into two containers. In one container add buttermilk and salt and in the other boiled milk and sugar. Your effort and time will be balanced.

In rural homes people have ragi java with ganji / kanji i.e water drained after rice is cooked in an open vessel and salt is added for taste.