Ragi Manni
A traditional Karnataka sweet, this velvety pudding is made from nutritious ragi, creamy coconut milk, and sweet jaggery. It has a unique soft, jelly-like texture that melts in your mouth.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation
- b.Grease a plate, tray, or thali with a thin layer of ghee and set it aside.
- c.In a saucepan, combine the grated jaggery and 1 cup of water. Heat on a low flame, stirring until the jaggery dissolves completely. Do not boil.
- d.Strain the jaggery syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any impurities. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Ragi Slurry
- b.In a separate large bowl, add the ragi flour.
- c.Gradually pour in the thin coconut milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, completely lump-free slurry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Manni
- b.Pour the ragi slurry and the strained jaggery syrup into a heavy-bottomed pan (kadai).
- c.Place the pan on low-medium heat and begin stirring immediately and continuously with a spatula or whisk. This is the most critical step to prevent lumps.
- d.After about 5-7 minutes of constant stirring, the mixture will start to thicken.
- e.Pour in the thick coconut milk and continue to stir without stopping. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan frequently.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finishing Touches
- b.Continue cooking and stirring for another 10-15 minutes. The mixture will become very thick, glossy, and start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- c.Add the ghee, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix vigorously for another 2-3 minutes until the ghee is well incorporated and the manni forms a single, shiny mass.
- d.The manni is ready when it no longer sticks to the pan or the spatula.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Set and Serve
- b.Working quickly, pour the hot manni mixture into the greased tray.
- c.Use the back of a greased spatula to spread it evenly to about half-inch thickness.
- d.Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the top and gently press them in.
- e.Allow the manni to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm and fully set.
- f.Once set, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond or square shapes. Gently lift the pieces and serve.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Continuous, non-stop stirring is the key to a smooth, lump-free Ragi Manni. Do not leave the pan unattended.
- 2Always use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the mixture from scorching at the bottom.
- 3To check if the manni is done, it should form a non-sticky, glossy ball that leaves the sides of the pan cleanly.
- 4For the best flavor, use fresh, homemade coconut milk. However, good quality canned full-fat coconut milk can be used as a substitute.
- 5Do not rush the cooling process. Allowing it to set completely at room temperature ensures clean cuts and the perfect texture.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut Garnish
Instead of cashews, garnish with slivered almonds, pistachios, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
Flavor InfusionFlavor Infusion
Add a pinch of edible camphor (pacha karpooram) or a few strands of saffron along with the cardamom for a more festive aroma.
SweetenerSweetener
You can use palm jaggery (karupatti) for a deeper, more earthy flavor and darker color.
Added TextureAdded Texture
Mix in 1 tablespoon of white poppy seeds (khus khus) into the mixture in the last few minutes of cooking for a slight crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Ragi (finger millet) is one of the best non-dairy sources of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
High in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content in ragi aids in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Excellent Source of Iron
Ragi is a good source of iron, making it beneficial for individuals with anemia or low hemoglobin levels. The jaggery in the recipe also contributes to the iron content.
Gluten-Free
As a naturally gluten-free grain, ragi is an excellent and safe food choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Ragi Manni (approximately one piece) contains around 520 calories. It is a dense and energy-rich sweet due to the jaggery, coconut milk, and ghee.