Finger millet, also known as ragi (Mandia or ମାଣ୍ଡିଆ), is a nutritious grain that is high in protein, calcium, and iron. Its unique, nutty flavor makes it a great addition to a variety of dishes, including baked goods. In this blog post, we'll be exploring the world of finger millet cupcakes, and sharing a recipe for making them at home.
First, let's take a look at the health benefits of finger millet. This ancient grain is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Additionally, finger millet is rich in essential amino acids and minerals, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to boost their protein and mineral intake. The high levels of calcium in finger millet also make it a great food for children and those with bone health concerns.
When it comes to baking with finger millet, it's important to note that the grain needs to be ground into a flour before it can be used in recipes. This is easily done by using a spice or coffee grinder to grind whole finger millet into a fine powder. The resulting flour can be used in a variety of recipes, including cakes, breads, and even pasta.
Now, onto the recipe! Here's what you'll need to make finger millet cupcakes:
Ingredients for cup-cake:
- 1 cup finger millet flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finger millet flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until they are light and creamy.
- One at a time, beat in each egg, then add the vanilla essence.
- Mix just until incorporated after gradually incorporating the dry components into the wet ones in alternating motions with the milk.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake the cupcakes for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Before icing or serving, let the cupcakes cool fully.
And there you have it, delicious finger millet cupcakes that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients and gluten-free. You can top them with a simple icing made with powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk or any desired frosting of your choice. Feel free to play around with this recipe and customize it to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion finger millet is versatile grain that can be used in various types of cuisines and finger millet cupcakes are a delicious way to incorporate finger millet in our diet.
About the Photographer:
Manas Kumar Muduli is an Odia Technical professional, and a foodie by his passion. He uses to travel to different destinations and loves to taste the good vibes also the foods.
Follow him on Twitter @manas_muduli and @manas_muduli on Instagram.