When the monsoon rain starts pouring, everyone craves something warm and comforting, but fried and oily snacks can easily upset the stomach in this weather. If you are looking for something that tastes good without harming your health, ragi soup can be the perfect pick. Ragi is considered a storehouse of nutrients, and this warm bowl not only heats the body from within but also helps guard against the infections that tend to spread during the rainy season. Here is a simple recipe you can try at home.
Ingredients you will need
This soup does not require an elaborate shopping list and comes together with ingredients that are usually already in the kitchen.
- Ragi flour: 2 tablespoons
- Finely chopped vegetables: half a cup (carrot, beans, cabbage and sweet corn)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic and ginger: 1 teaspoon, finely grated
- Black pepper powder: half a teaspoon
- Butter or olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Water or vegetable stock: 2.5 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Lemon juice and coriander leaves: for garnishing
How to make it
Step one: Take 2 tablespoons of ragi flour in a bowl. Add half a cup of water and mix it well, making sure no lumps are left in the mixture.
Step two: Heat butter or oil in a deep pan. Add the ginger, garlic and onion, and saute for about a minute. Then add all the chopped vegetables to the pan and cook on medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes. The vegetables should retain a slight crunch and not turn completely soft at this stage.
Step three: Pour 2 cups of water or vegetable stock over the sauteed vegetables and let it come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the flame and slowly pour in the prepared ragi mixture, stirring continuously so that no lumps form.
Step four: Let the soup simmer on low flame for 5 to 7 minutes. As the ragi cooks, you will notice the soup gradually thickening.
Step five: Finally, add salt and black pepper powder to taste. Turn off the flame, top it with a little lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves, and serve it hot.
Why ragi soup is worth drinking this monsoon
Ragi is not just tasty, it also brings genuine health benefits during the rainy season.
Boosts immunity: Ragi is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, which help the body fight common monsoon ailments like cold, cough and viral flu.
Good for bone health: Ragi is regarded as one of the best plant-based sources of calcium. Joint pain complaints often increase during the monsoon, and this soup can help bring some relief.
Helps with weight loss: Ragi is loaded with fibre. Drinking this soup keeps you full for longer, which helps in keeping weight under control.
Eases digestion: The digestive system tends to slow down a bit during the rainy season. Ragi soup is very light and gets digested easily, putting less strain on the stomach.
