Ragi Porridge with Ghee and Jaggery
A warm ragi porridge sweetened with jaggery and finished with ghee and cardamom, a calcium-rich breakfast for new mothers when cooked in milk.
- Calcium-rich
- Quick to make
- Vegetarian
Why you'll love this
Smooth, warm and fragrant with cardamom, this ragi porridge is ready in 15 minutes and is an easy bowl to eat early in the morning after a broken night.
Good for: Breakfast · Comfort food · Light meal · New mothers · Breastfeeding
Total Time
15 min
Serves
1 person
Calories
260 kcal
Nutrition highlights
Estimated, per serving
Key Pregnancy Nutrients
- Fibre3 g
- Calcium280 mg
- Magnesium65 mg
- Iron2.1 mg
Why it can be useful after birth
After birth and while breastfeeding, calcium stays important for your own bones, and energy needs go up a little. Cooked in milk, this ragi porridge gives a good share of the day's calcium in one bowl. Ragi porridge is a traditional breakfast for new mothers in many Indian homes.
Calcium
Ragi brings calcium, and cooking it in milk instead of water adds far more, making this bowl rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth.
From: ragi flour, milk
Fibre
Three tablespoons of ragi flour add a little fibre, which helps keep bowel movements regular; drink water through the day as well.
From: ragi flour
Energy
Jaggery and a teaspoon of ghee make this a warm, energy-giving bowl for early mornings when you have been up feeding at night.
From: jaggery, ghee
General nutrition information, not medical advice. Nutrient amounts are estimates, and your doctor may recommend supplements (such as folic acid or iron) that food alone does not replace.
Ingredients
What's in it
- Ragi flour – 3 tbsp
- Water or milk – 1 cup
- Jaggery, grated – 1 tbsp
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Cardamom powder – a pinch
Easy substitutions
Jaggery → Half a mashed ripe banana
Sweetens the porridge with fruit instead of added sugar.
How to make it
- 1
Mix ragi flour with a little water to make a smooth, lump-free paste.
- 2
Heat remaining water/milk in a pan; add the ragi paste while stirring continuously.
- 3
Cook on low heat for 5-6 minutes until thickened, stirring often.
- 4
Stir in jaggery, ghee, and cardamom powder; simmer 2 more minutes.
- 5
Serve warm.
Pregnancy-friendly tips
- Use milk rather than water if you can; that is where most of this bowl's calcium and protein come from.
- Stir in a spoon of chopped almonds or roasted peanuts for extra protein and crunch.
- Mix the ragi into a paste with cold water first; dry flour added to hot milk turns lumpy.
Safety note
- Jaggery is still sugar. If you had gestational diabetes or have diabetes, use less jaggery and ask your dietitian how this fits your meals.
Contains: Milk
Frequently asked questions
Should I make ragi porridge with water or milk?
Either works, but milk gives far more calcium and protein. Made with water, the porridge is lighter but has only a fraction of the calcium.
Is ragi porridge good after delivery?
It is a nourishing, traditional breakfast for new mothers, and made with milk it is a good calcium source. There is no good evidence that it affects milk supply, but it is an easy warm meal to fit into a busy day.
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