Ragi Banana Porridge
A warm, creamy porridge made with nutrient-rich ragi flour and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. This wholesome South Indian breakfast is ready in minutes and keeps you full for hours. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
For 1 serving
- prep · ~1 min
Dissolve the ragi flour in water.
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons ragi flour with 3 tablespoons of the measured water to make a smooth, lump-free paste.
- boil · ~6 min
Cook the ragi mixture.
1.Bring the remaining water to a boil in a small saucepan.2.Add the salt and lower the heat to a simmer.3.Slowly pour in the ragi paste while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.4.Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy. - mix · ~2 min
Sweeten and flavor the porridge.
1.Add the grated jaggery to the hot porridge and stir until it dissolves completely.2.Mix in the mashed banana, reserving a few slices for garnish.3.Stir in the cardamom powder and cook for 1 more minute.4.Take the pan off the heat.TIPAdd jaggery only after the porridge has thickened, otherwise it can interfere with the ragi cooking properly. - temper · ~1 min
Add the ghee tempering.
Drizzle the ghee over the hot porridge and mix it in just before serving. This adds a lovely aroma and richness.
- garnish
Garnish with banana slices and warm milk.
Spoon the porridge into a serving bowl. Top with the reserved banana slices and a splash of warm milk if using. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a whisk to mix the ragi paste; this prevents lumps better than a spoon.
- 2Cook the porridge until it turns glossy (about 5-6 minutes) for the best creamy texture.
- 3Add jaggery only after the porridge has thickened, as adding it earlier can thin the porridge.
- 4For a smoother consistency, mash the banana thoroughly before adding it to the pot.
- 5Drizzle ghee just before serving to retain its aroma and nutty flavor.
- 6If the porridge thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a splash of warm milk or water to loosen it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with coconut oil and skip the optional milk topping, or use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
high proteinHigh-protein
Stir in 1 tablespoon of roasted peanut powder or chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts) for extra protein and crunch.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit jaggery and rely solely on the sweetness of a very ripe banana; this variation is naturally sweet and lower in added sugar.
spicedSpiced
Add a tiny pinch of turmeric powder along with the cardamom for an earthy warmth, or swap cardamom for cinnamon for a different aromatic profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Natural Iron
Ragi (finger millet) is one of the best plant-based sources of iron, which supports healthy blood and energy levels.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of ragi flour and banana provides a good amount of fiber, promoting digestive health and long-lasting fullness.
Calcium Support
Ragi is known for its calcium content, contributing to bone strength, especially beneficial for growing children and older adults.
Gluten-Free Naturally
This porridge is entirely gluten-free, making it a safe and wholesome breakfast for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to make a paste first because ragi flour tends to form lumps when added directly to hot water. A smooth paste ensures a lump-free porridge.



