Raagi கூழ் & Milkshake / 2 in 1 Raagi Recipe / Summer Spl / Lakshya Vlogs / Lakshya Junction
Raagi கூழ் & Milkshake / 2 in 1 Raagi Recipe / Summer Spl / Lakshya Vlogs / Lakshya Junction is a easy Indian recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Lakshya Junction on YouTube.
Prep: 53 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $3.45 total, $1.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Almonds (raw, soaked for 30 minutes then blended into a smooth paste)
- 1/4 cup Cashews (raw, soaked for 30 minutes then blended into a smooth paste)
- 2 tablespoons Makhana (Fox Nuts) (soaked for 30 minutes and blended with the nuts)
- 2 cups Water (for soaking nuts and adjusting shake consistency)
- 1 medium Beetroot (peeled, cut and juiced (about 1/2 cup juice))
- 1 cup Ragi Flour (roasted lightly with ghee before mixing with beetroot juice)
- 1 tablespoon Ghee (for roasting ragi flour)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (adds smoothness; can use dairy or plant‑based milk)
- 3 teaspoons Unrefined Jaggery (Nattu Sugar) (adjust sweetness to taste)
- a few drops Vanilla Essence (optional, for extra aroma)
Instructions
Soak Nuts
Place almonds, cashews, and makhana in a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Blend Nut Paste
Drain the soaked nuts, transfer to a mixer jar or blender and blend until a smooth, creamy paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Beetroot
Peel the beetroot, cut into small chunks and juice using a juicer or blender; strain to obtain clear juice.
Time: PT10M
Roast Ragi Flour
Heat a saucepan over low‑medium heat, add 1 cup ragi flour and 1 Tbsp ghee, stir continuously for 3‑4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Beetroot Juice
Slowly pour the beetroot juice into the roasted ragi mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5‑7 minutes until the mixture thickens like a thin porridge.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium heat
Rest Briefly
Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
Time: PT2M
Finish the Shake
Divide the thickened mixture into two portions. To one portion, add the nut paste, 2 Tbsp milk, and 3 tsp unrefined jaggery. Blend or whisk until smooth. Add vanilla essence if desired.
Time: PT6M
Serve
Pour the shake into glasses, chill for a few minutes if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Nut‑Rich
Allergens: Tree nuts (almonds, cashews), Dairy (ghee, milk)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Almonds: Cashews, Peanuts
- Instead of Cashews: Almonds, Pistachios
- Instead of Makhana (Fox Nuts): Popped rice, Puffed quinoa
- Instead of Beetroot: Carrot juice, Beetroot powder (reconstituted)
- Instead of Ragi Flour: Millet flour, Oat flour
- Instead of Ghee: Unsalted butter, Coconut oil
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Unrefined Jaggery (Nattu Sugar): Brown sugar, Honey
- Instead of Vanilla Essence: Almond extract, Cardamom powder (a pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Mixer Jar or Blender
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Juicer or Blender (for beetroot)
- Saucepan or Non‑stick Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the nuts for at least 30 minutes ensures a smooth paste.
- Roasting ragi flour gently prevents a burnt flavor.
- Stirring continuously while adding beetroot juice avoids lumps.
- Balancing sweetness with jaggery after tasting.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Roast ragi on low heat; high heat can give a bitter taste.
- Use cold water for soaking nuts to keep their natural oils intact.
- For an extra cooling effect, serve the shake over ice cubes.
- A pinch of pink Himalayan salt enhances the natural sweetness of beetroot.
Troubleshooting
Mixture becomes lumpy when adding beetroot juice.
Whisk continuously while pouring the juice; if lumps form, blend the mixture briefly in a blender.
Shake is too thick.
Add a little extra milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Not sweet enough.
Stir in additional jaggery or a natural sweetener like honey, tasting after each addition.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the shake in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours on a hot day.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the nut paste a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Juice the beetroot and keep the juice refrigerated; add to the ragi mixture when ready.
- Roasted ragi flour can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of beetroot in Indian cuisine?
Beetroot, though not native to India, has become popular in modern Indian cooking for its vibrant color and health benefits. It is often used in salads, pickles, and health drinks, especially in South Indian households that value nutrient‑dense foods.
How is ragi traditionally used in South Indian diets and why is it considered a superfood?
Ragi (finger millet) has been a staple grain in South Indian and tribal diets for centuries because it is rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. It is traditionally prepared as porridge, rotis, and fermented batters, and is praised for its low glycemic index.
What health benefits does a ragi beetroot milk shake provide for the body?
The shake combines the calcium‑rich ragi, antioxidant‑packed beetroot, and heart‑healthy nuts, delivering a boost of iron, fiber, protein, and natural sugars. It supports digestion, improves blood circulation, and provides sustained energy, making it ideal for hot weather or post‑workout recovery.
Are there regional variations of beetroot‑based drinks in Indian cuisine?
Yes, in some parts of North India beetroot is blended with buttermilk or curd to make a cooling lassi, while in South India it is mixed with coconut water or millet flours. The ragi version from Lakshya Junction adds a nutty richness that is unique to Tamil‑influenced health drinks.
What occasions or celebrations is a ragi beetroot milk shake traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
While not tied to a specific festival, this shake is popular during summer gatherings, wellness retreats, and as a nutritious offering during Sankranti when millets are celebrated. It is also served at school lunch programs for its balanced nutrition.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a ragi beetroot milk shake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include finger millet flour, fresh beetroot juice, almonds, cashews, makhana, ghee, and unrefined jaggery. Substitutes can be millet flour instead of ragi, pumpkin or carrot juice for beetroot, peanuts for nuts, and brown sugar or honey for jaggery.
What other Indian dishes pair well with a ragi beetroot milk shake?
The shake pairs nicely with light South Indian fare such as idli, dosa, or a vegetable upma. Its sweet‑earthy flavor also complements spicy lentil soups (sambar) and grilled paneer kebabs for a balanced meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the ragi beetroot milk shake?
Common errors include over‑roasting the ragi (which makes it bitter), not soaking the nuts long enough (resulting in a gritty paste), and adding beetroot juice too quickly, which creates lumps. Stir constantly and adjust liquid gradually.
How do I know when the ragi‑beetroot mixture has thickened enough?
The mixture is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and pulls away in a smooth, glossy ribbon, similar to a thin porridge. It should still be pourable; if it becomes too stiff, add a splash of milk or water.
What does the YouTube channel Lakshya Junction specialize in?
Lakshya Junction focuses on easy‑to‑follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, especially health‑oriented recipes that blend traditional ingredients with modern nutrition tips. The channel emphasizes quick, affordable meals for busy families.
How does the YouTube channel Lakshya Junction's approach to Indian health drinks differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Lakshya Junction uniquely combines detailed ingredient science (like soaking times and roasting techniques) with cultural storytelling, offering step‑by‑step visuals that make nutrient‑dense drinks like the ragi beetroot shake accessible to beginners, unlike many channels that focus only on flavor.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
