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Ragi is an ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free and is widely cultivated in India, Africa, and Sri Lanka.
These finger millet tikkis can be made into veggie burgers
When it comes time to fill the dreaded tiffins – children’s dabba for school or lunches for work – there are many times you are left scratching your head, wondering what you can add to them that is both healthy and tasty. With picky adults and kids, the sight of vegetables or millets brings eye rolls and sometimes even tears. Instead of playing a game of hoping and praying they don’t find the nutrients you are trying to give them, try a healthy tikki instead.
They can be added to burgers, rotis, tacos and even as a snack. Easily hide the vegetables by boiling and mashing them, and add millets like ragi flour for added nutrition.
Finger millet, or ragi is an ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free. It is widely cultivated in India, Africa, and Sri Lanka. Its tiny, finger-like seed clusters give it the name. Nutritious and drought-resistant, it’s milled into flour for rotis, porridges, dosas, and malt.
Health benefits of Ragi:
- Bone Health: Highest calcium among millets; in fact, it has 3 times the amount of calcium than milk, which can help to prevent osteoporosis, strengthens teeth.
- Diabetes Control: Low glycaemic index and high fibre (18%) slow sugar absorption, improves insulin sensitivity.
- Weight Loss: The methionine amino acid in ragi aids fat metabolism, and fiber promotes satiety aka the feeling of fullness.
- Antioxidants: Polyphenols combat oxidative stress, reduce cholesterol, prevent heart disease.
- Digestion: Soluble fiber relieves constipation and supports gut health.
- Anaemia Prevention: Iron-rich (3.9mg/100g) boosts hemoglobin.
- Lactation Support: Promotes milk production in nursing mothers. Versatile for babies to elderly as it fights malnutrition when sprouted.
This recipe for Fingers Millets Galette by Chef Varun Inamdar for the Godrej Millets Cookbook makes for a wholesome and healthy snack option and is a perfect balance of texture and flavour. It works well as a shared plate that feels thoughtful without being overly elaborate.
Fingers Millets Galette
Ingredients:
• 1 cup sweet potato, roasted
• ½ cup yam, boiled
• ¼ cup finger millets, pressure-cooked
• ½ cup Godrej Yummiez mixed vegetables
• ½ tsp garam masala powder
• Salt as required
• ¼ cup coriander leaves
• ½ tbsp turmeric powder
• Soybean oil for pan frying
Method:
• In a large bowl, take all the ingredients, including the mixed vegetables, and mix well. Ensure some of the vegetables are left un-mashed for added texture
• Make cutlets of the same and keep aside
• Heat a griddle pan, add soybean oil and carefully place the cutlets. Pan sear till golden brown on both sides. Serve warm
February 18, 2026, 19:05 IST
