Millet Ragi Burger - By Feroz Haider Alvi

A flavorful and healthy snack made using ragi flour, combined with aromatic and spicy ingredients.

Ingredients:

For Ragi Patties:

- Ragi Flour: 1 cup

- Water: 2 cups

- Grated Vegetables (Carrot, Bell Pepper, or any of your choice): ½ cup

- Finely Chopped Onions: ¼ cup

- Boiled & Mashed Potatoes: ¼ cup

- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tsp

- Cumin Powder: ½ tsp

- Coriander Powder: ½ tsp

- Salt: To taste

- Oil (For Shallow Frying): 1 tbsp

For Ragi Buns:

- Ragi Flour: 1 cup

- All Purpose Flour (or Whole Wheat Flour): 1 cup

- Instant Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ tsp

- Sugar: 1 tbsp

- Salt: 1 tsp

- Lukewarm Water: 1 cup

- Oil: 2 tbsp

- Sesame Seeds: For topping (optional)

Method:

For Ragi Buns:

1. Activate Yeast:

- In a bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy or bubbly.

2. Prepare Dough:

- In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and oil.

- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a dough.

- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

3. First Rise:

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.

4. Shape Buns:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.

- Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.

- Cover the shaped dough balls loosely with a cloth and allow them to rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up and increase in size.

5. Bake Buns:

- Preheat the oven to 190°C.

- Place the tray with the risen buns into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the buns turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

For Ragi Patties:

1. Cook Ragi Flour:

- In a saucepan, boil water. Gradually add ragi flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and forms a dough-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Prepare Patties:

- Combine the cooled ragi mixture with grated vegetables, chopped onions, mashed potatoes, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to form a uniform mixture.

- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties of desired size and thickness.

3. Cook Patties:

- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the ragi patties on the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Assemble the Burger:

1. Slice the ragi buns in half.

2. Layer with tomato slices, cheese, lettuce, and a thin rolled cucumber slice.

3. Place the cooked ragi patty on the bottom half of the bun.

4. Top with the other half of the bun.