Ragi Ambil: A Refreshing, Calcium-Rich Drink for Weight Management

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories per serving: Approximately 120–150 kcal

Ragi Ambil is a refreshing and nourishing drink made with ragi flour, buttermilk, ginger, curry leaves, and coriander. It combines fiber, calcium, and other nutrients in a light, savory beverage. At NObesity, we encourage you to add wholesome recipes like this to a nutritionally balanced diet. Its cooling, mildly tangy flavor makes it a simple snack or beverage, especially during warmer weather.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Provides calcium and fiber from ragi
• Buttermilk adds protein and calcium
• Refreshing and hydrating when served chilled
• Lightly spiced with ginger, green chili, and curry leaves
• Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
• Can be enjoyed as a light snack or beverage
• Suitable for a vegetarian diet

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ragi flour
• ½ cup room-temperature water
• 1½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup buttermilk or whisked curd
• 1 tsp oil
• ¼ tsp mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 4–5 curry leaves
• 1 tsp green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Salt to taste

How to Make Ragi Ambil

Step 1: Prepare the Ragi Slurry

Take 2 tablespoons of ragi flour and add it to ½ cup room-temperature water. Stir until the flour fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Step 2: Cook the Ragi

Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil. Then slowly pour in the ragi slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Simmer Until Cooked

Lower the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken slightly as the ragi cooks.

Step 4: Cool the Mixture

Switch off the heat and let the cooked ragi mixture cool completely; cooling it before mixing in the buttermilk will help prevent the dairy from curdling.

Step 5: Add Buttermilk

Once the ragi mixture has cooled, add the buttermilk or whisked curd, then season with salt to taste, mixing well until the drink is smooth and pourable.

Step 6: Prepare the Tempering

In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil, then add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the hing, curry leaves, grated ginger, and green chili, and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Add the tempering to the cooled ragi mixture and stir it thoroughly. Garnish with chopped coriander, then serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.

Tips for the Best Ragi Ambil

• To avoid lumps, dissolve the ragi flour in room-temperature water before adding it to the boiling water.
• While adding the ragi slurry to the boiling water, keep stirring continuously.
• Let the cooked ragi mixture cool completely before adding the buttermilk.
• If the drink becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little water or buttermilk.
• For a milder taste, reduce the amount of green chili and ginger.
• Serve it chilled for a more refreshing effect, especially in warm weather.
• To keep the recipe savory and well-balanced, use unsweetened buttermilk or plain curd.

Nutritional Highlights

This drink is a nutritious choice because it contains ragi and buttermilk, so it fits well in a balanced diet.

• Ragi contains dietary fiber and is a better source of calcium than other commonly eaten grains.
• It provides protein and calcium and adds a naturally tangy flavor.
• Ginger adds warmth and flavor without extra sugar.
• Curry leaves add flavor and small amounts of several micronutrients.
• It adds fresh flavor and contains plant compounds and micronutrients.
• Mustard seeds add flavor and let you use a small amount of oil for tempering.

Serving Suggestions

Ragi Ambil can be enjoyed:

• As a refreshing mid-morning or afternoon snack
• Alongside a light vegetable-based meal
• Chilled with a simple cucumber and carrot salad
• With a small serving of roasted vegetables
• As a savory alternative to sweetened beverages

If you are following an eating pattern designed for weight management, leave the drink unsweetened and consider the total amount and nutritional content of the meal or snack it is served with.

About the Author

NObesity

NObesity is one of India's critically acclaimed Bariatric Surgery Center. We have performed 9000+ successful Bariatric Surgeries and have 40 National and International Awards to our credit. Nearly 650 obese patients choose us to undergo obesity treatment and overcome related health concerns and metabolic disorders every year. We have a state-of-the-art operation theater with advanced equipment to ensure highly effective treatment. Our team includes a bariatric surgeon, counselors, psychologists, dietitians, and endocrinologists.