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Home » All Recipes » Instant Ragi/Nachni Idli with Tadka Dahi

Instant Ragi/Nachni Idli with Tadka Dahi

Mar 25, 2019 | Last Updated: Oct 10, 2023 | by Swati

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Instant Ragi Idli made with Ragi or Nachni flour/Finger Millet and served with Tadka Dahi.

Finger Millet Idli/Nachni Idli is an extremely nutritious option for breakfast, light meal. Serve it with Tadka Dahi for a light lunch option in summers.

Table of Contents
  • About the Recipe
  • Idli, a light and healthy breakfast/meal option
  • What is Ragi Idli
    • Health Benefits of Ragi
  • Ingredients for Instant Ragi Idli
  • How to make Instant Ragi Idli
    • How can I make Idli without Idli Steamer
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Idli recipes that you will like to try
  • Ragi Recipes from the blog
  • Recipe Card
  • Instant Ragi/Nachni Idli
  • World Idli Day

About the Recipe

Healthy and nutritious quick and easy idli made with gluten-free Ragi/Nachni flour. A light and healthy breakfast for your whole family.

These days lot of version of Idlis are prepared with semolina, lentils, millets and millets flour etc. Apart from the fermentation process of making Idli that takes a day's time, Instant Idlis have become quite popular.

Idli, a light and healthy breakfast/meal option

Idli is a steamed cake made with a fermented mixture of rice and lentils. You can use various flours to make Idli. Whether we make Idli with fermentation process or Instant are very healthy and light on stomach. Nutritionists these days recommend to have Idli in breakfast or light lunch. Idlis are paired best with coconut chutney and sambhar. Sambhar is a sweet and tangy lentil stew with mixed vegetables flavored with spices and tamarind paste.

Coconut Chutneys with Idli, Red Coconut Chutney

What is Ragi Idli

Ragi Idli is a light and fluffy steamed cake(Idli) made with Finger Millet Flour also known as Nachni/Mandua in local language. Ragi Idli can be made in two ways. One is by fermentation of batter made with Whole Ragi and Urad lentils and rice. Another is Instant way, with Ragi flour and curd. For Instant Idli, Eno Fruit salt or baking soda is used as a substitute for fermentation.

Health Benefits of Ragi

Ragi is one of the most nutritious millet or grain. It is one of the richest source of calcium, iron, aids in weight loss. Also a natural relaxant that helps the body in aliments like insomnia, headaches and body pains., even depression. It is an excellent baby food and given to babies and kids for their bone development.

Sources.. various online resources and as passed on from the elders in family.

Ingredients for Instant Ragi Idli

Ragi flour and Semolina flour- Use fresh pack of Nachni and Sooji. It may give an aftertaste if kept for long. Semolina flour adds a bit of softness to these Idlis.

Leavening Agent- Sour Curd/Yogurt, Lemon Juice and Baking Soda. It makes idli fluffy and soft, without any fermentation. You can add Eno fruit Salt as a substitute for baking powder.

Other- Salt

How to make Instant Ragi Idli

  1. Mix together Ragi flour and Semolina and 1/2 tsp of salt. Add yogurt/curd to it. Let the mixture rest for few minutes.
  2. Meanwhile fill Idli steamer pot with water and keep on the stove top to boil. Brush the Idli molds with little oil.
  3. After 5 minutes, add some more curd(1-2 tbsp or baking soda.as required), 1/4 cup of water and mix well. Add the mix of lemon juice and baking soda and add to the batter immediately. Mix lightly and scoop the batter in the molds.
  4. Keep the Mold in the steamer and steam the idlis for 5-8 minutes. Check after the specified time. Idlis will leaves the sides of the mold. You can insert a toothpick in the middle to check, if making it for the first time.
  5. Take out the molds from the steamer and let it stand for a while. Carefully take out the Idlis from the the mold using a spoon.
  6. Serve with your favourite chutney and sambhar, or try with yogurt.
Add ragi and semolina
Sour curd/yogurt for Ragi Idli
Instant Ragi Idli/Nachni Idli

How can I make Idli without Idli Steamer

Making idli without Idli steamer is so easy. You can steam the batter in small bowls in any steamer or round cake pan and cut into pieces and relish this healthy treat.

Serving Suggestions

Idlis are best paired with coconut chutneys. I also like it with this spicy Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Tomato Chutney

Idli Sambhar is a popular breakfast option.

To serve with Tadka Dahi, prepare tadka dahi.

Cut Idli in small pieces/cubes, top it with yogurt and garnish with chopped cilantro. You can also top it with some masala boondi or sev for an extra crunch and chaat like taste with some tamarind and green chutney. We love having Idlis this way. It is kind of Idli Chaat. So refreshing!!

Idli recipes that you will like to try

Idli with Rava Idli
Check out this recipe
Idli with Idli Rice
Instant Idli with Cooked Rice(Leftover Rice)
Instant Idli recipe with cooked rice/leftover rice. No Fermentation Idli with with leftover steamed rice.
Check out this recipe
Instant Idli with Cooked riceInstant Idli with Cooked rice
Moong Dal Idlis
Moong Dal Idli Recipe | Learn how to make No Rice, No Fermentation Instant Moong Dal Idlis
Check out this recipe
Moong-Dal-Idli

Ragi Recipes from the blog

Ragi Soup, Instant Ragi Dosa, Ragi Chocolate Cookies, Ragi Dried Fruit and Nuts Ladoo, Ragi Buttermilk, Instant Ragi Idli with tadka dahi, Whole Wheat Ragi and Edible Gum Ladoos

Recipe Card

Instant Ragi Idli/Nachni Idli

Instant Ragi/Nachni Idli

Swati
Instant Ragi Idli made with Ragi or Nachni flour/Finger Millet and served with Tadka Dahi. Extremely nutritious option for a light breakfast or lunch especially during summers.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Indian, South Indian

Equipment

  • Idli Steamer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Ragi Flour / Nachini Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Semolina Flour
  • 1+2 Cup+tbsp Yogurt/Curd
  • 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice optional, skip if using Eno Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda optional, skip if using Eno Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Eno Fruit Salt skip lemon and baking soda

Instructions
 

  • Mix together Ragi flour and Semolina and 1/2 tsp of salt. Add yogurt/curd to it. Let the mixture rest for few minutes.
    1 Cup Ragi Flour, 1/2 Cup Semolina Flour, 1+2 Cup+tbsp Yogurt/Curd, 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Meanwhile fill Idli steamer with water and keep on the stovetop to boil. Brush the Idli molds with little oil.
  • After 5 minutes, add some more curd, 1-2 tbsp or baking soda as required, 1/4 cup of water and mix well.
    1+2 Cup+tbsp Yogurt/Curd
  • Add the mix of lemon juice and baking soda and add to the batter immediately. Mix lightly and scoop the batter in the molds. Add eno salt when not using baking soda and lemon juice.
    1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice, 1/2 tsp Baking Soda, 1 tsp Eno Fruit Salt
  • Keep the mold in the steamer and steam the idlis for 5-8 minutes. Check after the specified time. Idlis will leaves the sides of the mold. You can insert a toothpick in the middle to check, if making it for the first time.
  • Take out the molds from the steamer and let it stand for a while. Carefully take out the Idlis from the the mold using a spoon.
  • Serve with your favourite chutney and sambhar, or try with yogurt.
Keyword Finger Millet, Instant Idli, Nachini Flour, Ragi Flour, Ragi Idli, Steamed Cakes, Vegetarian
Did you try the recipe..Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!
Tried this recipe?Share @foodtrails25 or tag me #foodtrails25!

World Idli Day

Do you know about the World Idli day?? Yes there is a day that is dedicated to these healthy and light bites. March 30th is World Idli Day!!! This was started some 3 years back in 2015, by a Chennai-based Idli caterer Eniyavan who started celebrating March 30 as the "World Idli Day". Since then, the world has shown their love for Idli on social media sites, with the hashtag.. #WorldIdliDay!! Interesting na!!

Source.. Wiki and other online resources.

Do make these nutritious steamed cakes and let me know your feedback.

Also, whenever you try the recipe, I will love to hear/share your feedback or any queries in the comment section below. I will try to answer your queries as soon as possible.

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Thanks for stopping by!! Keep coming back!!

Swati

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. namscorner18

    April 17, 2019 at 4:25 pm

    Idli looks so soft and fluffy. Instant version is so easy and healthy too make

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  2. Veena Krishnakumar

    April 08, 2019 at 7:30 am

    Awesome use of the millet. Idli looks very soft and spongy. Must try recipe

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  3. Kalyani

    April 02, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    I was thinking ragi idlis couldnt be made, until I see yours and taht too with ragi flour 🙂 this is a great pick Swati, and the isntant version is temptng 🙂 bookmarked !

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  4. srividhya

    April 02, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    Instant ragi idli sounds delicious and I really like the idea of curd idli. Sounds yum.

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  5. Batter Up With Sujata

    March 31, 2019 at 9:10 am

    A perfect recipe for summer. I also love to make instant idli. Your Ragi idli looks so fluffy, soft and delicious. Loved the serving idea with tempered dahi. I will try it next time. Super healthy share.

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  6. gayathriraani

    March 31, 2019 at 5:30 am

    The texture of the instant ragi idli is spot on. The tadka dahi and idli go so well together for this scorching heat.

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  7. ARCHANA POTDAR

    March 31, 2019 at 3:14 am

    i do love these ragi idlis but must confess I love your dahi wala idea a lot more. Must try them on my kid to see if she is will like it. Sounds delicious,

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    • Swati

      April 03, 2019 at 5:06 pm

      Thanks Archana!! Do try this combo.. I am sure your kids will love this..

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  8. Preethi Prasad

    March 30, 2019 at 11:59 pm

    Your Ragi Idli looks so soft and fluffy. I love Instant recipes.Good way to incorporate Ragi in your diet. Fantastic share .

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  9. harini

    March 29, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    Wow! those idlis look so perfect. Love this recipe.

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  10. Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth

    March 28, 2019 at 1:02 am

    When you say instant it surely piques my interest. Love the way of serving it like a chaat with that dahi... The quantity of curd used is a little confusing... I suppose it is 1 cup+2 tbsp?

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  11. vaishalisabnani

    March 27, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Ragi Idli looks so nice and soft , just like a regular Idli . I always felt these would not taste as good , but these look super soft and nutritious too .

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  12. Rajani

    March 27, 2019 at 9:27 am

    Idli and yogurt is a great combination during the hot summer months. Though I prefer traditional idlis, Instant idlis have their place especially when it comes to saving time.

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  13. Sasmita Sahoo Samanta

    March 27, 2019 at 6:59 am

    These ragi idlis look super soft and fluffy and delicious ! and ahaaaaaa, love the idea of using tadka dahi. m just drooling

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  14. poonampagar

    March 27, 2019 at 6:31 am

    Ragi idli with tempered yogurt is just perfect for the ongoing Summers . Loved the color and soft and fluffy texture of the idlid Swaty !

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    • Swati

      March 27, 2019 at 9:34 am

      Thanks Poonam!! Glad you liked these!!

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  15. mayurisjikoni

    March 26, 2019 at 3:32 am

    Your last photo with the dahi on the idli is what I couldn't stop oogling at. A healthy idli with dollops of yogurt, now that's what I'd love to have as its really hot now. I'd never thought of serving idli with dahi except when I make idli chaat.

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    • Swati

      March 26, 2019 at 8:46 am

      Thanks Mayuriji!! This is a good option for light lunch in summers.. do try this way!!

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  16. The Girl Next Door

    March 26, 2019 at 12:41 am

    Your ragi idlis look just perfect, soft and fluffy and delicious! I am a big fan of ragi idli, and love the idea of serving them with tadka dahi. So apt for the hot days of summer! 🙂

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    • Swati

      March 26, 2019 at 8:47 am

      Thanks Priya.. we too love to have idli this way also, in summers!!

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Swati Malik

A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

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A passionate foodie, food blogger.. blogging about my food experiences, and food stories.. Love to click pics and cook for my loved ones. Aham Bhramasmi!!

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