Ragi Malt (Ragi Java, Ragi Porridge)

Updated: February 22, 2023, By Swasthi

Ragi Malt with stovetop & Instant pot instructions. Ragi Malt is a nutritious drink made with ragi flour & water or milk. Also known as Ragi Java, it is a healthy, delicious & nourishing traditional beverage made in south India for breakfast or snack. In this post I share how to make a simple smooth ragi malt just under 10 minutes.

Ragi is an ancient super food not much known to the other parts of the world. If you are new to Ragi read on to know more.

What is Ragi ?

Ragi is a cereal grain that is widely grown and eaten in southern parts of India. It is known as finger millet in English. It is well known as ragi in kannada, ragulu in telugu, kezhvaragu or keppai in tamil, Marwa in Bengali & Nepali, Nachani in Marthi & Gujarati and mandika in Hindi.

While there are many kinds of millets available in the Indian market, finger millet has been one of the most spoken about mainly for 2 reasons.

Firstly the affordable Price. Secondly high nutritional values that include calcium, iron and vitamins b1 to b3. The nutrients in these millets are easily absorbable making them superior from their counterparts.

picture of cleaned ragi or ragulu

How to use ragi?

These grains are milled and the flour is used to make various dishes like malt, porridge, cookies, dosa, ladoo, roti etc. With the health awareness in the recent times, today’s markets are flooded with many products like ladoos, ragi biscuits, and flour too for making ragi roti or instant ragi dosas.

About Ragi Malt

Ragi malt is a drink made by cooking ragi flour with water or milk. Ragi refers to finger millets and malt translates to germinated grains. So ragi malt traditionally means sprouted ragi flour cooked with water or milk.

However it can also be made with regular ragi flour that is homemade or store bought.

To make ragi malt, many women sprout these grains at home and shade dry them and mill them to flour. If making ragi malt for babies & kids then we always sprout the ragi and make the flour. As ragi malt made with sprouted ragi is more nutritious and easily digestible.

Every year during our trip to India, my mom sprouts the ragi and gets it milled to flour. I bring it to Singapore and store it in the fridge and use up with in 6 to 8 months.

So this ragi malt is one that is made often for myself & my kids. I have also included Instant pot instructions in the recipe card. It is so much easier to make in the IP as there is no stirring and no baby sitting. The texture turns out to be good as well.

More Ragi Recipes
Ragi ladoo
Eggless ragi biscuit
Ragi dosa
Soft ragi idli

Raji Malt is also known as ragi porridge and ragi java

Photo Guide

How to make Ragi Malt (Stepwise Photos)

1. Add 4 tablespoons ragi flour to a heavy bottom pan or pot.

adding ragi flour

2. Pour 1½ cups water. Remember the stove is off yet and we are not cooking it at this stage.

adding water

3. Mix well and ensure there are no lumps in the ragi flour mixture. Turn on the stove and begin to cook stirring often on a medium flame to prevent lumps.

mix ragi flour

4. Keep stirring continuously and cook until the mixture turns thick and glossy. You will see there are no lumps.

cooking ragi flour

5. Then add jaggery or any other sweetener. Mix well and turn off the stove.

adding sweetener to ragi malt

6. I went ahead using 1 cup milk here. You can use even lesser. Slowly incorporate the milk to the ragi malt and mix well. I used preboiled milk here. If you use cold milk, slowly bring it to a boil and turn off.

adding milk

7. Stir well to incorporate the milk well with the ragi malt. Add almond powder or mixed dry fruits powder if using. You will see smooth ragi malt.

smooth ragi malt

For salted version – After cooking it in water, cool it completely and season it or add butter milk to bring it to the desired consistency and season it. You can find the detailed recipe in the recipe card.

Serve ragi malt warm or cold. We usually top the ragi malt with ghee and nuts.

ragi malt ragi porridge recipe

How to make Ragi Malt for Babies

Introduce ragi only after your baby completes 6 months. Please consult your pediatrician before you introduce this to your baby.

Babies do not need any sweet or salt in their food. So just mix 2 tbsp of ragi flour in a pot with 1 cup of water. Mix well to prevent lumps. Cook on a medium flame stirring often until smooth, thick and glossy.

Turn off the stove. Cool this and feed when the ragi is still warm. You can also add steamed and pureed apple or milk to the ragi to bring it to consistency.

You can even use 1/2 tsp. powdered almonds for babies above one year.

ragi malt recipe

Are ragi malt, ragi porridge & ragi ambali same?

Ragi malt and ragi porridge are the terms used interchangeably by most people. I also know a lot of people say ragi malt to something that has been sweetened, has milk in it & is made with sprouted ragi flour.

Ragi porridge can be salted or sweet. It can be made with or without milk.

Ragi ambali is made by cooking ragi flour in water. It is then cooled completely and then butter milk (thinned down yogurt) is added to this along with salt. Then tempered with tempering ingredients like curry leaves, mustard and chilli.

How is ragi malt made?

Ragi malt is made by cooking ragi flour in water until a thick and smooth consistency is achieved.

Then to thin down either milk or butter milk can be added. Here are the details for 2 versions.

Sweet version: You can add milk and sweeten the ragi malt. You can also skip milk and just add fruit puree or chopped fruits like banana, apple or any other fruit of your choice. We usually do not add papaya and mango to the ragi malt. Do not use milk with fruits in ragi malt.

Savory version: Add salt to the cooked ragi and heat a small pan with 1 tsp oil. When the oil turns hot, add mustard & a pinch of cumin. When the mustard crackles, add curry leaves, green or red chilli and hing. Pour this to the cooked ragi.

Pro Tips

  1. Most times I cook the ragi malt with water as it turns too heavy with milk.
  2. Cooking ragi with milk may hinder the absorption of iron from ragi. So it is good to cook and consume it without any milk products. But it is up to you to judge.
  3. You can skip the sweetener and add chopped dates or maple syrup to sweeten the ragi malt.
  4. To enhance the nutrition you can add dry fruits powder. I usually blanch almonds, dry them completely and make almond meal for my toddler. Add a tsp of this to the ragi malt.
  5. You can also blend together mixed nuts and few dates in a small chutney jar. Add this to the cooked ragi malt.
  6. Consuming ragi with fruits high in vitamin C helps in absorption of iron from ragi. So adding an apple or banana to your ragi malt helps in absorption of iron. Avoid using milk in this case.

Health Benefits of Ragi Malt

Ragi is one of the super foods that is nutrient rich and helps to prevent iron and calcium deficiencies. Here are some health benefits

  1. Women: It is believed that the consumption of ragi regularly help women to combat osteoporosis and to keep the bones strong. As women age the risk of osteoporosis increases and the bones begin to lose their density & become porous. So high calcium foods like ragi are beneficial to prevent it.
  2. Babies: Ragi malt can help babies and kids to have stronger bones, tooth and maintain the iron levels too.
  3. Anemia: Ragi helps to prevent anemia as it is high in iron. But it cannot be used to treat anemia without medication.
  4. Diabetes: High fibres in ragi help to manage diabetes well by releasing the sugars slowly without spiking the blood sugar levels.
  5. Cholesterol: Ragi also reduces bad cholesterol and helps to maintain a good ratio of good vs bad cholesterol.
  6. Steady weight: It is not any magic grain that helps to lose weight. But high fibers in ragi keeps the stomach full for longer and keeps the hunger pangs away. This helps to maintain a steady weight or even lose weight as you don’t need to eat often.
  7. High calcium in ragi helps to strengthen bones and teeth in kids.
  8. Provides vital nutrients & minerals needed for the healthy functioning of the body.

Who can consume ragi?

Ragi is a naturally gluten free grain and is suitable to everyone from babies to the aged. There are exceptional cases where ragi can cause loose stools or constipation due to high fiber.

So to increase the digestibility, the grains are soaked for 24 hours and optionally sprouted, then dried and milled. It is usually consumed in the form of this malt or porridge which I am sharing today.

How to make ragi flour for ragi malt?

We rarely use store bought ragi flour since I always carry the sprouted flour from India. On occasions I have bought the flour and even made it myself in the mixer as I always have even the whole ragi at home.

If you do not have ragi flour, then you can make your own by adding the whole grains to a heavy duty mixer. Powder the grains and sieve. If making for babies, we usually sieve the flour through a thin cloth. It is a bit of arm work but works great for babies.

how to make ragi flour for babies

How to make ragi malt using whole ragi?

Babies & toddlers: Ragi and jowar were the staples in the region where I have grown up. So for my babies my mom would soak the ragi overnight and blend them with water in the morning. Then filter it and extract the ragi milk.

This was cooked further until thick. This method of extracting milk and cooking reduces the fibers and hence is easily digestible for babies.

Aged or elderly: For the aged or elderly people with digestion problems, soak ragi overnight and discard the water. Give a good rinse and blend well until smooth with water. Cook this to a thick porridge with water.

If you are new and trying to include ragi in your diet, then do check these 21 healthy ragi recipes which I shared earlier on the blog.

If you are looking for ideas on how to introduce finger millet to your baby, then this detailed post on how to make sprouted ragi flour for babies porridge, how to introduce ragi to babies and apple ragi will help you.

Related Recipes

Recipe Card

ragi malt ragi porridge recipe

Ragi Malt Recipe (Ragi Java, Ragi Porridge)

4.99 from 67 votes
Finger millet porridge is known as ragi malt, ragi java or ragi porridge. It is a nutritious and healthy beverage made with ragi flour, water or milk & a sweetener. Instructions for stovetop & Instant pot.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time6 minutes
Servings2
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

For sweet malt

  • 4 tablespoon ragi flour (¼ cup) finger millet flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoon sugar or jaggery or or dates
  • cups Water
  • 1 cup Milk (optional)
  • 4 drops ghee (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
  • 6 almonds or cashews or dry fruits powder ptional)

Ingredients for salted java or porridge

  • 4 tbsp finger millet (¼ cup) Ragi flour
  • Salt to taste
  • cup Water
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (use as needed)

Seasoning for salted version (optional)

  • 1 tsp Oil or ghee as needed
  • 1 pinch Cumin
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp Coriander leaves finely chopped
  • 1 Green chili chopped


Instructions

For sweet ragi malt

  • Method 1 – Mix together ragi flour and water in a pan.
  • Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
  • Begin to cook this on a low to medium flame, stirring constantly to prevent burning and lumps.
  • Method 2 – Add ragi flour to a bowl and mix with ¾ cup water. Bring the other ¾ cup water to a rolling boil and then pour this ragi flour mixture. Keep stirring and cook on a medium heat.
  • After few minutes, you can see ragi malt turns to a glossy thick consistency. You can switch off the heat.
  • Add sugar/ jaggery and pour more milk as desired to bring it to the consistency.
  • You can also add a tbsp of almond or dry fruits powder. Add some ghee as well.

For salted ragi java

  • Mix water and flour in a pan and cook until the mixture looks thick and glossy. Cool this completely.
  • Then add salt and buttermilk.
  • If you do not prefer to season it can be consumed by just adding salt & buttermilk.
  • For seasoning, heat a pan with oil or ghee. Add curry leaves and cumin, when they splutter, off the heat. Add coriander leaves and pour this to the ragi. Stir and consume ragi java.

Instant pot ragi malt

  • Stir together 4 tablespoons ragi flour with 2 cups water in a large bowl until you see no lumps. Pour 1 cup water to your steel insert of the Instant pot.
  • Then place the bowl of ragi mixture on the trivet inside your IP. Secure the Instant pot with the lid.
  • Position the steam release vent to sealing. Press PRESSURE COOK button and set the timer to 5 mins.
  • Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Slowly and gently release the rest of the pressure.
  • After you open the lid, you may see lumps of ragi. These are just soft balls and will dissolve when you stir them with a ladle. Also adding jaggery or sugar to hot ragi at this stage helps to dissolve them faster.
  • Give a good mix after adding the sweetener. If you prefer milk pour pre-boiled milk. You can make it thin or thick to suit your preference.
  • To make the savory version, follow the tempering I mentioned above.


Notes

There are different kinds of ragi flour available in the market. Some need more water than the other, so please adjust the amount of milk and water as needed.
This recipe has been tested with 1x, 2x, 3x quantities in a 6 qt IP. Ensure you use a slightly large bowl so the ragi doesn’t overflow. Also do not release the pressure when the IP is in full pressure ragi may blow out. Let pressure release naturally for at least 10 mins.
Nutrition values only for the sweet version.

Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Ragi Malt Recipe (Ragi Java, Ragi Porridge)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 165 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 62mg3%
Potassium 194mg6%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 200IU4%
Calcium 143mg14%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

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About Swasthi

Iโ€™m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthiโ€™s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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5 stars
I’m really satisfied with the ragi flour recipes

5 stars
Thank you for sharing this super easy and extra super yum recipe ?

5 stars
Your recipes are too good. Made ragi malt using this recipe and it turns out so good. Thank you for the healthy recipes.

5 stars
Tried it in the Ip. Turned out nice. Thank you.

5 stars
Hi Swathi

We regularly cook the ragi malt, mostly in the same method described here, however stirring it for very long time to make sure there are no lumps has become a challenge. Did you have any luck making this in instant pot?

5 stars
I TAKE WHOLE RAGI AND DRY ROAST IN SAUCEPAN , COOL IT UNDER FAN , GRIND IT , PUT THE POWDER IN BLENDER , ADD SALT & WATER , RUN THE BLENDER , SWITCH OFF , UNLID THE BLENDER , SIT ON CHAIR HOLDING BLENDER WITH BOTH HANDS & GULP DOWN THE RAGI MALT LIKE BIHARI SATTU…MY STYLE… VERY HEALTHY…

5 stars
Great content

5 stars
Hello Ma’am,

Thank you for sharing the health benefits of this recipe. As an Andhraite, been tasting this recipe since my childhood but I didn’t know that it’s good for osteoporosis. As you have mentioned, adding apple or banana helps in absorption of iron, I don’t know at what stage should I incorporate it into the sweet version of the recipe. I request you to kindly suggest please.

Whenever I see your recipes, especially Andhra recipes, feel like it is my home. Thank you for being so honest in putting out the recipes that the reader is compelled to cook.

My best wishes to you.

Thanking you,
Vasiya

5 stars
Hi I am Shalini

I prepared sprouted ragi flour followed your recipe.
While cooking ragi porridge for my 11 month baby, it’s not getting thick consistency.
Even I cook for long time, it remains watery.
What mistake I did.
Please help.
Thanks in advance.

Hi, if I have bought the grains from the market, do I put it into the mixer, as you say above, or do I “sprout” them, as on your “Ragi Flour recipes” page? (pasting is not working) Which one? It’s very confusing to read 2 different directions on 2 different pages…..

Thanks for making this site though ๐Ÿ™‚

4 stars
Very useful and put across nicely .

5 stars
Thanks very much Swasthi for the good Recipes.

5 stars
Everyone loved it, need help Swathi, when I add milk it doesn’t turn like a paste, gaddalu ga ayipothundi, which is soft when eaten though

5 stars
Good food products

5 stars
Thank you soo much..I love to read your blog..its very useful for my daughter…she likes your Apple ragi halwa..once again thanks a lott

Hii Swasthi..my daughter is 1 year old I’m giving her health mix in tat ragi is thr..is that enough or I should giv ragi separately

Hello mam
I read recipe of ragi porridge it is very gud. our elder says that ragi cannot be given in summer as it is very heaty. So I m a Ltle apprehensive whether to give it to my 11 months old baby or nt?
Ur reply is awaited. Is it for heart too?

Hi swasthi unable to see my comments. You said comments section is full so it should be posted in raagi porridge page. But unable to find the same

5 stars
Thanks for this. Its very helpful

Hi Swathi,

You have posted very good and healthy recipes on your blog. Many thanks!

I,d like to start ragi malt for my baby from her 7th month onwards. But am apprehensive about her catching cold, if I were to make the malt by using ragi, sugar (as sweetner) and her formula milk (to adjust consistency). Can I use jaggery in place of sugar, because I hear from elders that jaggery can cause diarrhoea for babies because of its heaty nature. Do you agree?. I am wondering if I could add maybe just 1/4 tsp of jaggery syrup. Or do you have any other suggestions, to prevent cold in this recipe.

Thanks in advnace, Zeeba

Yes Swathi. Thanks a lot for your reply! ๐Ÿ™‚

Hi,

I dont have time to sprout the ragi and then make a fine powder but I get a powdered ragi flour.
How can I use this to make it as nutriousnal as the sprouted flour.Any easy tip?
Also after sometime the sweet version of malt gets watery. How to deal with this?

Awaiting your reply.