Ragi Cookies

As Christmas is fast approaching, I thought it would be more appropriate if I could release all my baked goodies from my draft page:) I make cookies whenever hubby has more project hours, so that I can spend some more time with him, while he is working. Also the next day he will take a box of cookies to his friends too.  Isn't this a cute excuse to bake something yummy :)
Here is one delicious native cookies from Indian cuisine, the Ragi biscuits or ragi cookies. I made these biscuits just like  butter biscuit and it came out very well. To reduce the butter content I use yogurt or sour cream in all my cookies. Here goes the recipe.

Super soft ragi cookies. Enjoy this with a cup of milk for breakfast.

Ragi cookies for hubby's friends.

Ragi cookies.

Ragi cookies are cooling down .

Cookies before baking. Leave enough space, as they will double in size.

Dry roasted ragi is mixed with all other ingredients.

Ingredients:
Ragi - 2 cup
self rising flour - 1/2 cup
butter - 1/2 cup ( 8 tbsp)
Indian  plain yogurt - 1/2 cup (or lesser)
brown sugar - 1 cup
baking powder - 1 tsp
salt - little
cardamom - 1 tsp
Almond - 1/2 for 1 cookie

Method:
Dry roast ragi till it smells good (low heat for 8-10 minutes).
Melt butter and add it to ragi.
Add self rising flour, yogurt (little by little), brown sugar, baking powderm salt, cardamom.
Mix well.   Add enough yogurt , so that it can made into small balls.
Line the baking sheets with aluminum foil and coat with oil.
By applying some ghee / oil in our palms , make equal size 30 balls.
Place the balls on the sheet and slightly flatten them. Place 1/2 almond on each cookie.
Bake at 325 deg F for 10 - 14 minutes. (the bottom should be mild brown).
Check often after 8 minutes, as the baking time may vary in different ovens.
Take out and let it remain for 1 minute to let it harden more. Cool in cooling racks.
Store in air tight container.

Serving suggestion:
Serve as snack or dessert. Makes a easy breakfast too.
Makes 30 cookies.

Note:
*Brown sugar can be substituted with white powdered sugar for more flavor and taste.
* always roast the ragi before making cookies.
*I have used self rising flour in these cookies to make them puff up and it made them super soft and delicious. Here is the basic version to make homemade self rising flour. I make this flour in large quantities and use it in making biscuits, cookies and pastries. 
Homemade self rising flour :
1 cup Self rising flour = 1 cup All purpose flour + 1/4 tsp salt +  1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Brinjal theeyal

Kathirikkai theeyal is a flavorful dish from Kerala.  It is prepared with browned coconut. One evening I grilled eggplants for making baingan, but changed my mind and made this theeyal using that. But traditional Kerala theeyal won't need grilling. I made it as a thick curry along with chapathi and curd rice. we can make a thinner version also.

Roasted coconut with red chillies.

Grilled eggplant

Ingredients:
Eggplants - 2
onion - 1
tomato - 1
tamarind - lime size
curry leaves - few
salt - to taste
mustard seed - 1 tsp
coconut oil - 1 tbsp

For making theeyal powder:
shredded coconut - 1 cup
dry red chilly - 6
coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
black pepper - 1 tsp
curry leaves - few
turmeric - small piece

Optional : Apply a little oil over the eggplant and roast them in gas stove or oven. Peel off the skin and chop it gently.
(Traditionally the eggplants are used without grilling).

Method:
Slice the onion, tomato, brinjal separately and keep aside.
Extract juice from tamarind.
Dry roast the coconut till it turns brownish red and smells great. Do this in medium to low heat.
Take it out and dry roast all the other items given for theeyal podi.
Let them cool and powder together.
Heat oil in a deep pan, add mustard and let it splutter.
Then add chopped onion, curry leaves and let it get golden brown. Add chopped tomato and cook well. Add the roasted mashed eggplant or sliced eggplant. Saute and cook covered. Add tamarind extract and bring to a boil. Put the prepared masala powder and cook covered for few minutes.
Theeyal is ready.

Serving suggestion:
Serve as side dish with idly, dosa, hot rice, chapathi, curd rice etc.