New Delhi | August 2, 2025 : Pancakes are a breakfast favorite around the world—and especially among kids. They’re soft, fluffy, and easy to make. But traditional pancakes are usually made with refined flour, sugar, and butter, which makes them high in calories and not the healthiest choice, especially for children.

But here’s the good news: pancakes don’t have to be unhealthy! With a few smart swaps, you can turn this classic breakfast dish into a nourishing meal for your little one. One great ingredient to try is ragi (finger millet), which is rich in fiber, calcium, and iron. It’s an excellent alternative to refined flour and is perfect for growing kids.

In this article, you’ll find two easy ragi pancake recipes—one savoury and one sweet. Both are quick to make and sure to be a hit at the breakfast table or even in lunchboxes.

Savoury Ragi Pancakes
If your child enjoys savory dishes more than sweet ones, this recipe is a great choice. It’s loaded with vegetables and spices for a flavourful twist.

Ingredients:

1 cup ragi flour (you can add 2–3 tbsp of gram flour for better texture)

Salt to taste

½ tsp coriander powder

A pinch of chilli flakes (optional for older kids)

A pinch of oregano

2 tbsp chopped capsicum

1 tbsp grated carrot

1 tbsp finely chopped onion

Water (enough to make a smooth batter)

A few drops of oil for greasing the pan

Method:

In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour (and gram flour, if using) with salt, spices, and herbs.

Add water gradually while stirring to make a smooth, lump-free batter.

Mix in all the chopped vegetables.

Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with oil.

Pour a ladle of batter onto the pan and gently spread it into a circle.

Cook on medium heat until both sides turn golden brown.

Serve hot with ketchup, curd, or chutney—or pack them in a tiffin for school!

Sweet Ragi Pancakes
If your child has a sweet tooth, try this natural, sugar-free version of pancakes.

Ingredients:

1 cup ragi flour

1 ripe banana (mashed)

1–2 tbsp jaggery powder or date powder

½ tsp cocoa powder (optional, for extra flavor)

A little milk or water to make a batter

Method:

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.

The batter should be slightly thick, like a regular pancake batter.

Heat a pan and grease it lightly.

Pour small rounds of batter and cook on both sides until done.

Serve warm, plain or with a drizzle of honey or nut butter.

Whether you make the savoury version or the sweet one, ragi pancakes are a smart and tasty way to start the day. They’re rich in nutrition, quick to prepare, and kid-approved. Once your little one gets used to the taste, you can even try mixing in more veggies or fruit for added variety.

So skip the sugar-laden, store-bought options. These homemade ragi pancakes offer a delicious and healthy breakfast that fuels your child with energy—naturally.