Ragi dosa is a nutritious, gluten-free dish made from finger millet (ragi), which is rich in calcium, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal. If you love crispy dosas, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect crispy ragi dosa at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi flour
• ½ cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1-2 finely chopped green chilies (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water (adjust as needed)
• Oil or ghee for cooking
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, rice flour, and semolina. Add salt and cumin seeds.
• Slowly add water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should be thin and pourable, similar to a pancake batter. This ensures the dosa turns out crispy.
2. Let the Batter Rest:
• Allow the batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flours absorb the water and makes the dosa crisper when cooked.
3. Prepare the Tava (Griddle):
• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tava on medium heat. Once hot, drizzle a little oil or ghee and spread it across the surface.
4. Pour the Batter:
• Stir the batter well before using. Pour a ladle of the batter onto the hot tava in a circular motion, starting from the edges and moving towards the center. Don’t spread it like regular dosa batter; let it spread naturally for a lace-like texture.
5. Cook Until Crispy:
• Drizzle some oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa. Cook on medium heat until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-4 minutes. No need to flip the dosa, as it will cook through on one side.
6. Add Toppings (Optional):
• Sprinkle finely chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves over the dosa while it's cooking if you want added flavor and crunch.
7. Serve Hot:
• Once the dosa is crispy, gently lift it off the pan with a spatula. Serve immediately with coconut chutney, sambar, or a side of your choice.

Tips for the Perfect Crispy Ragi Dosa:

• Batter Consistency: Ensure the batter is thin and runny. Thick batter will result in a softer dosa.
• Heat Control: Cook on medium heat to ensure the dosa turns crispy without burning.
• Tava Preparation: Always grease the tava before pouring the batter to avoid sticking.

Health Benefits of Ragi Dosa:

• Rich in Calcium: Ragi is one of the best sources of plant-based calcium, ideal for bone health.
• High Fiber Content: It helps in digestion and weight management.
• Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Enjoy your crispy, delicious, and healthy ragi dosa with your favorite chutney or curry!