Ragi Mudde — Finger Millet Balls (ರಾಗಿ ಮುದ್ದೆ)

Karnataka (central and north Karnataka particularly); ragi mudde is the food of Kannadiga agricultural communities and the working class; it was historically disparaged as 'poor food' but is now recognised as one of India's most nutritionally complete staples

Ragi mudde (ರಾಗಿ ಮುದ್ದೆ — 'finger millet lump') is the staple food of rural Karnataka: finger millet flour (ragi, Eleusine coracana, ರಾಗಿ) cooked with water to a very thick, dark brown paste that is then quickly shaped by hand (or rolled in the pot with a special wooden stick, ಒಗ್ಗರಣೆ) into dense, smooth spherical balls. The entire ball is swallowed (not chewed) with sambar or a thin curry — the ball travels through the digestive system slowly, providing sustained energy. This is the technique's defining characteristic: ragi mudde is a carbohydrate delivery vehicle, intentionally not chewed.

Served with sambar, bassaru (thin dal with horse gram), or soppu palya (leafy vegetable sauté). The mudde itself has a mild, slightly earthy, nutty flavour. The entire eating experience depends on the liquid accompaniment.