What is rajgira flour, ramadana flour, amaranth flour, rajgira ka atta?

Rajgira flour is made from the seeds of the amaranth plant. There are many members of the amaranth family, of which some are grown primarily for the seed. Actually, the tiny seeds are botanically fruits and not seeds!

While the seed is used in many forms – fresh, dried, popped, flaked, and so on, the flour of the dried seeds is most popularly used. The Rajgira-grain flour is ideal for gluten-free diets as well as fasting foods where strictly non-cereal foods are allowed. In India, its called Ramdana Flour in Hindi and used extensively during religious festivals for fasting. Ramdana means Gods seed and hence its used on festive occasions.

Amaranth flour can be used for making pastas and baked goods. Along with other flours, it can be used for baking yeast breads. One part amaranth flour to 3-4 parts wheat or other grain flours may be used. In the preparation of flatbreads, pancakes and pastas, 100 per cent amaranth flour can be used.

The dried rajgira seeds be ground coarsely or finely depending on recipe requirement. For preparing rotis and breads, you would generally require finely ground flour. Rajgira flour may also be ground coarsely, depending on individual preferences and recipe requirement.

How to select rajgira flour, ramadana flour, amaranth flour, rajgira ka atta

• Rajgira flour should be clean, dust-free and without any infestations or foul odor.

• It is better to opt for organic grains and flour, if possible.

Culinary Uses of rajgira flour, ramadana flour, amaranth flour, rajgira ka atta

• The rajgira flour is usually made into chappatis, Rajgira parathas or rotis and served with vegetables.

• Rajgira is flavoured by the gluten intolerant and is often cooked as porridge to be eaten alongside other foods.

• Rajgira flour is made into flatbreads, including thick, leavened Farali dosa and thinner, unleavened pancakes.

• One can also make chikki (sweet bar) or ladoos with popped rajgira seeds.

• In Goa, rajgira is very popular and satva, pole (dosa), bhakri and ambil (a sour porridge) are commonly made.

• Rajgira and Oat Bran in mint-flavoured buttermilk is a healthy breakfast option.

How to store rajgira flour, ramadana flour, amaranth flour, rajgira ka atta

Store rajgira flour in an airtight container and keep it in a cool and dry place.

Health benefits of rajgira flour, ramadana flour, amaranth flour, rajgira ka atta

A Valuable Source of Protein : Protein can be coined as ‘growth nutrient’. It is required for the growth and maintenance of tissues. It helps repair cells and boost their function. In fact not only muscles, but hair, nails and skin all are made up of proteins. This nutrient also assists in hormone balance, transport of oxygen and building our immune system.

Amaranth seeds, rajgira abounds in this key nutrient. ½ cup of amaranth seeds provides 14.7 g of protein. This much protein is enough to give a feeling of satiety for long hours and avoid unnecessary weight gain by way of bingeing on junk foods like chips, pasta, burger, biscuits etc.

This ability of curtailing hunger is also probably one of the reasons why it is often used in fasting days.

2. Enhances Bone Strength : Calcium teamed up with protein and phosphorus is a crucial mineral essential to prevent demineralization of bones, especially as you age. Including calcium rich foods in your diet is a must to maintain bone strength and avoid fractures.

Yes it is true that as we age you need more calcium, just for the fact that we tend to lose bone mass with ageing. Rajgira is an ingredient which can lend a good amount of calcium to your diet. You would be amused to know that 1 cup of amaranth seeds are sufficient to fill your entire day’s requirement of calcium and 55% of your daily requirement of phosphorus.

All you need to do is explore its use in cooking keeping your food habits in mind. We have a range of recipes using rajgira you can try your hand at.

3. Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels : As good as the protein level of amaranth is, so is its fiber content. 100 gm of amaranth seeds provide a whooping amount of 9.6 g of fiber.

The high fiber in general can help bind excess cholesterol and excrete it from the body, thus maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. It is known that too much cholesterol can build up in arteries thus blocking them and lead to increased risk of heart problems and strokes.

Also check detailed list of Low Cholesterol Recipes

Click here to know more about the 9 Super Benefits of Rajgira Flour, Rajgira, Amaranth Seeds.

Nutritive Information for Rajgira flour / Amaranth flour:

½ Cup of amaranth flour, rajgira flour is about 100 grams

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 319 calories

Protein – 14.7 g

Carbohydrate – 60.7 g

Fat – 1.9 g

Fiber – 9.6 g

Minerals:

510 mg of Calcium = 127.5 % of RDA (about 1000 mg)