A Summer Drink for Weight Loss: It is natural you would wish to opt for a cooling drink during the hot summer benefits. The Ragi Malt is one such summer drink with an added benefit as it helps in weight loss. Ragi Malt or Ambali is a type of porridge which is popular in Karnataka. This can be considered as a ‘local’ drink. As compared to refined flours, Millet, or ragi is considered as a ‘super food’ grain.
What are millets?
This super food grain, Millets, is grasses with small seeds which have been eaten since a long period of time. This millet is quite popular in India as there are various delicacies made from this. You have the choice of eating this super food in a dessert, savoury or even flat breads. Ragi consumed is specifically beneficial to those suffering from high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
This super food is full of vital vitamins and minerals and recipes made of millet are rich in protein and also fiber. You have the option of adding ragi to dosas, parathas, rotis and even barfis and laddoos.
You have the choice of making a summer drink made of this super food. This is known as Ambali.
Ambali:
The Ragi porridge, or Ambali, as this is known, is a porridge made in Karnataka. This is made by cooking the flour of ragi in water and then letting it cool. Once this has cooled down completely, you need to add either buttermilk or curd which is well beaten. You need to add chopped onions, salt and cumin seeds also to this specific summer drink. The drink is then tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds.
Some Additional Benefits of Ragi:
Besides cooling your system, this summer drink made of millets offers multiple benefits.
1. Calcium:
Ragi is a super food which can ensure healthy teeth and bones as this is rich in calcium. The additional buttermilk in this summer drink works as an added bonus.
2. Fights deficiency of Iron:
Sprouted Millets is beneficial for those suffering from anemia. The Vitamin C level in this super food increases once this sprouts. This helps in the absorption of iron.
3. Cooling in summer:
Ambali or the Ragi porridge is beneficial in summer as this requires a good amount of buttermilk.
4. Blood Cholesterol:
Millets offers specific benefits for the heart as this is rich in complex carbohydrates or fiber.
Making of Ambali:
You have the choice of making this summer drink either savory or sweet, depending on your preference. You can also add additional flavor by adding chocolate or vanilla in the sweet Ambali. The authentic Ambali is made with salt and buttermilk.
The Ragi flour needs to be cooked in water till the time the color gets dark. Once this batter cools down, you need to add the buttermilk along with the onions, salt and cumin. Tempering this with curry leaves and mustard seeds offer a unique taste. The consistency can be adjusted in accordance to your preference.
