Type:
Veg
Serves:
2 to 3
Prep. Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Nachni (Ragi) Bhakri

Tired of your Ragi Bhakri turning out hard, dry, or crumbly? Watch this video to learn the ultimate secret technique for making perfectly soft, pliable, and easy-to-digest Nachni Bhakri every single time! This traditional, gluten-free Indian bread is a powerhouse of Calcium and Iron, making it a must-have for a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, and bone health.
Ingredients:
Rice flour (1 cup)
Nachni / Ragi flour (3/4 cup)
Salt (as per taste)
Water (400 ml)
Steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough (The 'Ukhali' Method)
Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add the salt and optional sesame seeds, then turn off the heat.
Add Flour: Pour the 1 cup of Ragi flour into the boiling water all at once. Mix immediately and vigorously using a wooden spatula or spoon until a crumbly mixture forms and the water is absorbed.
Cover & Rest: Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This steam-cooks the flour, which is the secret to getting a soft bhakri.
Knead: Transfer the warm mixture to a large plate or parat (shallow kneading dish). Knead it well while it is still warm. You may need to sprinkle a little warm water, one teaspoon at a time, to make a very soft, pliable, and smooth dough. It should be softer than wheat roti dough.
Step 2: Shaping the Bhakri
Portion: Divide the dough into 3-4 equal small balls. Bhakri is traditionally smaller and thicker than a roti.
Coat: Take one ball and flatten it slightly. Dip both sides lightly into the dry dusting flour (ragi or rice flour).
Patting (Traditional): Place the dough ball on a clean cloth or a lightly floured surface. Using the heel of your palm and your fingers, gently pat the dough outwards to form a flat, circular disc (bhakri).
Tip: Keep your hands lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Pat gently to avoid cracks.Rolling (Easier Method): Alternatively, use a rolling pin. Roll gently and evenly, using dusting flour as needed, until you have a smooth disc of about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Cooking the Bhakri
Heat Tawa: Heat a thick, non-stick, or iron tawa (griddle) over a medium-high flame.
Place on Tawa: Carefully lift the bhakri and place it on the hot tawa. The side that was facing up while patting should now face the tawa.
Apply Water: Immediately after placing it, use your palm or a wet cloth/silicon brush to gently apply water evenly over the top surface of the bhakri. This prevents the surface from drying out and cracking.
Flip 1 (Wait for Water to Dry): Once the water on the surface evaporates completely and the top looks dry, flip the bhakri to the other side.
Flip 2 (Final Cook): Cook this second side for about 1-2 minutes. The bhakri will develop small bubbles.
Puff (Optional): Transfer the bhakri directly onto a medium-low flame (if you have a gas stove) or press gently with a clean cloth on the tawa. It should puff up slightly.
Serve: Remove from the heat. Serve immediately, topped with a little ghee or butter.
Enjoy your Ragi Bhakri with spicy garlic chutney, yogurt, or any vegetable curry like Bharli Vangi (stuffed brinjal).
