Quick Ragi Sweet Under 20 Minutes: Easy Ragi Burfi Recipe
About This Ragi Burfi Recipe
This ragi burfi recipe is a healthy twist on traditional Indian sweets. Made with freshly prepared homemade ragi flour, rava, coconut oil, and palm jaggery (karupatti), it is a naturally sweet dessert without refined sugar. Unlike conventional burfi recipes that use ghee, this soft ragi burfi with coconut oil and rava is completely vegan and dairy-free. The palm jaggery adds a rich caramel-like flavor while also providing minerals like iron and magnesium, making this a wholesome millet-based treat.
Why You’ll Love This Ragi Burfi
- Healthy millet sweet – Made with ragi (finger millet), which is rich in calcium and fiber.
- No refined sugar – Naturally sweetened with palm jaggery (karupatti).
- Quick recipe – This quick ragi sweet under 20 minutes is perfect for busy days.
- No ghee required – Made with coconut oil, making it a simple vegan dessert option.
- Soft and nutty texture – Chopped cashews and walnuts add a delicious crunch to the soft ragi burfi.
Step-by-Step Preparation for Ragi Burfi
Follow these simple steps to make soft ragi burfi with palm jaggery and coconut oil at home. The process is easy and takes less than 20 minutes.
Step 1: Heat Coconut Oil and Add Rava
Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add rava and begin roasting it gently until it becomes slightly aromatic.
Step 2: Add Ragi Flour and Roast Together
Once the rava is lightly roasted, add the ragi flour to the same pan. Roast both rava and ragi flour together on low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes aromatic and well combined. This roasting step helps remove the raw taste of ragi and improves the flavor of the burfi.
Step 3: Add Jaggery Syrup and Mix the Roasted Flour
Pour the strained palm jaggery syrup into the pan and slowly add the roasted ragi and rava mixture. Stir continuously to combine everything smoothly and prevent lumps from forming.
Step 4: Cook Until the Mixture Thickens
After adding the roasted ragi and rava mixture to the jaggery syrup, cook the mixture on medium heat while stirring continuously. Within about 10–15 minutes, the mixture will thicken and start coming together into a smooth, lump-free paste. Continue stirring to prevent sticking and ensure an even texture.
Step 5: Cook Until the Mixture Leaves the Pan
Continue cooking the mixture on medium heat while stirring continuously. After a few minutes, the mixture will become thick, glossy, and start leaving the sides of the pan. This is the correct stage for soft ragi burfi with palm jaggery. At this point, the mixture forms a smooth dough-like consistency, indicating it is ready to be transferred to a tray for setting.
Step 6: Transfer the Mixture to a Greased Tray
Grease a tray with coconut oil and sprinkle chopped cashews and walnuts evenly. Transfer the hot ragi burfi mixture with palm jaggery into the tray and spread it evenly using a spatula. Allow it to rest for about 20 minutes so the mixture sets and develops the perfect soft burfi texture before cutting.
Step 7: Spread the Mixture Evenly and Let It Set
After transferring the mixture to the tray, use a spoon or spatula to spread the ragi burfi mixture evenly. Smooth the surface and sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired. Allow the mixture to rest and set for about 20 minutes at room temperature until it firms up and becomes easy to cut into soft burfi pieces.
Step 8: Let the Ragi Burfi Set and Prepare for Cutting
Allow the ragi burfi with palm jaggery to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it sets completely. Once firm, gently remove it from the tray and place it on a plate. The burfi is now ready to be cut into squares or diamond-shaped pieces and served as a healthy homemade sweet.
Step 9: Cut the Ragi Burfi and Serve
Once the ragi burfi has fully set, use a knife to cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces. Your easy ragi burfi recipe with palm jaggery is now ready to serve. This healthy millet sweet has a soft texture, rich jaggery flavor, and crunchy bites from cashews and walnuts.
If you enjoy palm jaggery desserts, you might also love our Wattalappam recipe made with karupatti, a creamy South Asian pudding with rich caramel flavor.
For exact ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, check the recipe card below.
Ragi Burfi Recipe with Palm Jaggery
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add rava and roast for about 3 minutes until slightly aromatic.
- Add ragi flour to the roasted rava and roast both together for about 5 minutes on low heat until well combined.
- In another pan, dissolve palm jaggery in water and heat until melted. Strain the syrup to remove impurities.
- Pour the strained jaggery syrup into the roasted ragi and rava mixture. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add a pinch of salt and cook the mixture while stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
- Grease a tray with coconut oil and sprinkle chopped cashews and walnuts evenly.
- Transfer the hot mixture into the tray and spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula.
- Allow the mixture to set for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Once firm, cut into square or diamond pieces and serve.
Notes
- Roast the ragi flour well to remove the raw taste.
- Stir continuously after adding jaggery syrup to avoid lumps.
- You can add cardamom powder for extra flavor if desired.
- If you prefer softer burfi, slightly reduce the cooking time.
Tips & Variations
- Use organic palm jaggery (karupatti) for deeper flavor and better nutrition.
- Replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios if preferred.
- For richer taste, you can add 1 tbsp ghee, though coconut oil keeps the recipe vegan.
- This sweet can also be enjoyed warm like ragi halwa before setting.
FAQS for Ragi Burfi Recipe
Can I make ragi burfi without ghee?
Yes, this ragi burfi recipe is made without ghee and uses coconut oil instead. Coconut oil gives the burfi a soft texture and keeps the recipe completely dairy-free and vegan.
What is karupatti ragi burfi?
Karupatti ragi burfi is a traditional sweet made using palm jaggery (karupatti) instead of white sugar. Palm jaggery adds a deep caramel flavor and makes the burfi a healthier refined sugar-free dessert.
Why is rava added in ragi burfi?
Rava helps improve the texture of soft ragi burfi. It prevents the burfi from becoming too dense and gives it a slightly firm structure that makes it easier to cut into pieces.
How long does ragi burfi take to set?
After spreading the mixture in the tray, the ragi burfi usually sets in about 20 minutes at room temperature. Once firm, it can be cut into squares or diamond shapes.
How should I store ragi burfi?
Store the ragi burfi with palm jaggery in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Is ragi burfi a healthy sweet?
Yes, ragi burfi is considered a healthier sweet because ragi (finger millet) is rich in calcium and fiber. Using palm jaggery instead of refined sugar makes it a more nutritious dessert option.
Is ragi burfi healthy for weight loss?
Yes, ragi burfi can be a healthier sweet option because ragi (finger millet) is rich in dietary fiber and helps keep you full for longer. This healthy ragi sweet uses palm jaggery instead of refined sugar, making it a better choice for those looking for desserts without refined sugar.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. To make a gluten-free ragi burfi, replace the ¼ cup rava (sooji) with almond flour or additional ragi flour, since rava contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
This ragi burfi recipe with palm jaggery is a simple and wholesome way to enjoy a traditional South Indian sweet at home. Made with nutritious ragi flour, coconut oil, rava, and crunchy nuts, this dessert offers natural sweetness and works perfectly as a refined sugar-free dessert. Since it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare, it’s an ideal quick ragi sweet for festivals, evening snacks, or whenever you crave a healthy ragi sweet.
If you’re wondering how to make ragi burfi without ghee, this version is a great option. Once the mixture sets, you’ll have a delicious finger millet burfi that is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s truly a simple ragi palm jaggery sweet for beginners who want a traditional taste with modern health benefits.
Ragi, also known as finger millet, is widely appreciated for its nutritional value and is naturally rich in calcium and fiber. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, millets are considered highly nutritious grains that support balanced diets.
