Raab/Millet Flour Porridge

What is Raab?

Raab is like a soup or porridge made from  pearl millet flour (bajri). Incidentally, Ragi(Finger Millet) Raab, Ragi Kanji or Ragi Porridge is very popular in South India. Also its a very popular breakfast in Kenya and is called Uji. In the case of my grandmother, whenever she didn’t feel like eating a normal meal, a bowlful of Raab/ Millet Porridge was what she would want.  Lactating mums are given Raab everyday for the nutritional values. Its also a remedy for sore throats and colds. Also, its given to people recovering from an illness. In addition to other food, toddlers are given a tablespoon or two of Raab.

Health Benefits of Raab

• Raab has loads of benefits.
• Its  comfort food, wards off cold, flu and coughs.
• Prepare it when you feel like having something sweet and hot. Its nutritious so you can sip through it without any guilt.I love raab and find any excuse to make it.
• Added with Gond or Edible Gum, its beneficial for the elderly or lactating mums as it provides stamina.
• Its a filling meal.

Here are some of the benefits of the ingredients used in making Raab:

Millet flour: easily digested, has alkaline properties. Rich in magnesium, protein and niacin. Its also gluten free. Incidentally, the serotonin in millet has a calming effect on ones mood. As it has a low glycemic index good for controlling blood sugar.  Excellent for digestion and helps to eliminate problems like bloating, constipation, cramps, excess gas. The benefits are numerous.

Jaggery: a great remedy for anemia, joint pains and menstrual cramps.Purifies the blood, boosts energy, prevents constipation, high in minerals, cleanses the liver, increases immunity, reduces premenstrual syndrome.

Ghee: stimulates the secretion of gastric juices to aid digestion, soothing for the throat,  rich in Vitamins A, D, E and K.

Ginger:anti inflammatory properties, prevents nausea, helps to get rid of nose and chest congestion, helps to revive a dull appetite, helps fight infections.

Fennel seeds: increases production of milk in lactating mothers, rich source of fiber, helps digestions, prevents bloating and excess gas,relieves water retention, provides strength,rich in antioxidants, rich in copper which is required for production of red cells.

Ajwain(carom seeds or bishop weed): aids digestion,wards off constipation, beneficial to pregnant and lactating mums,relieves cough and asthma, helps prevent bloating, good remedy for migraines.

Almonds: help build strong bones and teeth, help to reduce heart diseases, boost brain activity, provide energy and alkalize the body.

Gond or Edible Gum: My grandmother always use to insist on adding fried Gond or edible gum as she would always tell us that its good for the back. Gond helps to ward off colds, coughs and eases chest congestion. In addition, it takes care of any digestive ailments like diarrhea.

Pepper: In addition to having anti inflammatory properties, it also stimulates circulation and mucous flow.

Can you replace millet flour?

Most certainly you can, replace pearl millet flour with sorghum flour(jowar), finger millet flour (nachni or ragi), Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), Barley flour (jau), wheat flour or rice flour.

Alternates:

• In the case of toddlers, add nut powder, make it using milk, and add a bit of honey.
• If you don’t enjoy sweet raab, you can make a savory one with yogurt, water, salt and add spices of your choice.

Grandmother’s Remedy

Our Grandmothers probably didn’t know  all the benefits of having raab but still used it as the most natural remedy for almost everything. This is one recipe that probably has been passed along through generations. With all the health benefits,how can one really ignore a soup or porridge?

Where my family is concerned, after Raab the other most popular remedy for cold and coughs is Turmeric Tea Latte or as we call it at home Hardar Varu Doodh or Haldi Ka Doodh.

Another alternate for fussy eaters like kids or the elderly Strawberry Finger Millet Smoothie is nutritious and filling.

Alternately I make a cup of hot water, add 1 tsp turmeric powder, ¼ tsp pepper powder and 1 tsp honey. Mix it well and sip on it.

Raab or Millet Flour Porridge

The colour of the raab will depend entirely on the colour of the jaggery. I have used organic jaggery which is darker in colour. Consistency can vary from a thin gruel to a thick one depending on the amount of flour you use.Go on make raab for a sick person or just because you feel like having a hot energetic drink.