Ragi/ Finger Millet Vermicelli Dessert

The other day on my regular visit to the Indian grocery store I found this pack of Ragi vermicelli. Hmm.. interesting I thought to myself. It is a known fact that Ragi is loaded with nutrients. So I thought I should try Ragi in this new way. I like to experiment with products that attract my attention for being healthy or maybe unique or just different.

Some people have an aversion towards Ragi and I think that is because of it's unappetizing color. Taste wise like any flour it will take the flavors very well and give out the flavors that you add to it. So don't judge Ragi by it's look, taste it and apart from finding it tasty you will do your body some good with all the health benefits it offers. Ragi is extensively used in Karnataka and there is a dish called Ragi mudde, which is, cooked ragi flour balls served with sambhar or chicken curry. As a child when I used to visit my aunt's place in Bangalore I could not stand my cousin brother devouring ragi muddes with chicken curry so lovingly. I hated it. I do not hate it now but somehow that dish will never be on my favorites list. I do not mind having Ragi in the form of dosas, rotis, kheer and my new found vermicelli.

Ragi is high in protein and fiber and very low in fat, making it an ideal diet for people (like me) wanting to lose some weight. This ragi vermicelli can be made as a breakfast item by making it savory like upma or as a dessert in the form of kheer or dry, which I made for the occasion of Dussehra.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Ragi vermicelli (180 g)
• 1/2 cup sugar (you can add more if you like it more sweet)
• 3 tbsp cashew nuts roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp walnuts/ almonds/ pistachios roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp golden raisins
• a pinch of saffron
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1-1/2 tbsp ghee

Directions:

• Prepare vermicelli as per package directions, it calls for soaking the vermicelli for 3 minutes in water. Then steam the vermicelli after draining water for 5 minutes. The vermicelli is then ready to be used the way you want.
• Heat ghee in a deep pan and add saffron, cashew nuts, other nuts and raisins. Let the nuts get lightly brown.
• Add sugar and prepared vermicelli and mix well.
• Add cardamom powder and mix well.
• You can garnish with slivered almonds and serve warm.
• Enjoy! Happy Dussehra everyone.

** You can saute green chillies and onions in oil and add the prepared vermicelli with salt for a savory version.