This Millet Cheese Quesadilla is my healthier spin on a classic comfort food. I absolutely love quesadillas—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and so satisfying! But I wanted to make it a little more nourishing—something I could enjoy more often without the usual guilt.

So I tried making it with a soft, pliable flatbread using a mix of ragi, jowar, and wheat flour—and to my surprise, it turned out soft, flavorful, and honestly better than store-bought tortillas. I love how the earthy notes of the millets pair so beautifully with the cheesy filling.


It’s now a regular at home—especially on lazy lunch days when I crave something quick, comforting, and nourishing. This recipe started as a casual experiment but quickly became one of our favorites. So here it is—sharing it from my kitchen to yours!

The word quesadilla comes from Spanish, meaning “little cheesy thing”—and it dates back to colonial Mexico. Traditionally made using corn tortillas and filled with cheese, beans, or meat, quesadillas were cooked on a comal (flat griddle) and folded over like a half-moon. Over time, they’ve evolved into countless versions across cultures—from Tex-Mex flour tortillas to baked, grilled, or even dessert-style quesadillas.

In this Indian-inspired twist, I’ve replaced the tortilla with a soft roti made from ragi, jowar, and wheat flour, blending traditional Indian grains with the cheesy soul of a Mexican favorite. A delicious cross-cultural comfort bite!

Jump to Recipe
IngredientRole / Purpose
Ragi flour (finger millet)Adds earthy flavor; rich in calcium and iron; softens the flatbread
Jowar flour (sorghum)Lightens the dough texture; adds fiber and balances density
Wheat flourProvides structure and binding; helps roll into soft, pliable rotis
SaltEnhances flavor of the flatbread and balances the millet taste
Hot waterHelps create a soft, cohesive dough for easy rolling and cooking
Cheese (any meltable type)The only filling; melts to a creamy, gooey layer that contrasts the millet base
Ghee or butterToasts the quesadilla to a golden crisp; adds flavor and richness

Millet Cheese Quesadilla, How to make Millet Quesadilla

Recipe by Sandhya Riyaz
Recipe rating: 5.0 from 1 votes
Course: Lunch, Snack, DinnerCuisine: Indian Fusion, Mexican-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Kneading Time

5

minutes
Resingt time

10

minutes

Millet cheese quesadilla made with ragi, jowar, and wheat flour — a crispy, melty, and nourishing twist on the classic Mexican favorite.

Ingredients

  • For the Millet Flatbread (makes 2 rotis):
  • ¼ cup, ¼ Ragi flour (finger millet flour)

  • ¼ cup, ¼ Jowar flour (sorghum flour)

  • ¼ cup ¼ Wheat Flour

  • Salt, to taste

  • 6- 7 tabespoons, 6- 7 Hot water, as needed to knead

  • 1 tablespoon, 1 Butter or oil – for toasting

  • Filling:
  • ½ cup, ½ Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or processed)

Directions to make Millet Quesadilla

  • Make the Dough
    In a mixing bowl, combine ragi, jowar, and wheat flours with salt. Gradually pour hot water and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Roll the Rotis
    Divide dough into two equal balls. Dust with wheat flour and gently roll each into a thin roti. Handle gently since millet dough can be delicate.
  • Cook the Rotis
    Heat a tawa or skillet. Lightly cook each roti on both sides until small brown spots appear. Don’t overcook—they will be toasted again. Apply butter or or oil.
  • Final Step
    When the millet roti is fully cooled on the tawa, add cheese on one side, fold, toast both sides with butter, cut and serve.

Notes

  • 1 cup = 250 ml

Directions to make Millet Cheese Quesadilla with step by step images

  • Make the Dough
    In a mixing bowl, combine ragi, jowar, and wheat flours with salt. Gradually pour hot water and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Roll the Rotis
    Divide dough into two equal balls. Dust with wheat flour and gently roll each into a thin roti. Handle gently since millet dough can be delicate.
  • Cook the Rotis
    Heat a tawa or skillet. Lightly cook each roti on both sides until small brown spots appear. Don’t overcook—they will be toasted again. Apply butter or oil.
  • Final Step
    When the millet roti is fully cooled on the tawa, add cheese on one side, fold, toast both sides with butter, cut and serve.
Millet Cheese Quesadilla created by Sandhya Riyaz
  • Use hot water for kneading: It helps bind the millet flours together and gives you a softer, more pliable dough.
  • Roll gently: Millet-based dough can tear if pressed too hard. Use wheat flour for dusting and roll with light pressure.
  • Don’t overcook rotis initially: Lightly toast them just enough to hold shape. They’ll be toasted again after filling.
  • Choose the right cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar works well for stretch and sharp flavor. Use processed cheese for kid-friendliness.
  • Toast on medium flame: For even crisping and melty interiors without burning the roti.

Cut the toasted quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with:

  • Mint chutney for a desi kick
  • Tomato salsa or guacamole for a fusion plate
  • Curd + chili flakes dip for a quick yogurt sauce
    It also pairs beautifully with warm soups or cold buttermilk in summer!
Q: Can I make millet ragi quesadilla without all-purpose flour or maida?

Yes! This recipe uses a mix of ragi, jowar, and wheat flour—completely free from maida and refined flours. It’s wholesome, filling, and perfect for a clean lunchbox or weeknight dinner.

Q: What kind of cheese works best for Indian-style millet jowar quesadilla?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or Amul processed cheese all work well. For best results, use a mix for flavor and stretch. You can even try paneer with spices for a desi version.

Q: Can I make millet ragi cheese quesadilla without oven or grill?

Absolutely! This recipe is made on a regular tawa or skillet, making it perfect for Indian kitchens—no fancy equipment required.

Q: Are millet ragi jowar tortillas good for quesadilla?

Yes, millet-based rotis make an excellent alternative to tortillas. They’re more nutritious and add a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.

Q: Can I pack this cheese millet quesadilla in a lunchbox?

Yes! Toast it slightly longer for extra crispness, cool it slightly, and pack. It stays soft and cheesy even after a few hours.

Snacks Recipes

Corn vada recipe, How to make Corn Fritters

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this Corn Vada is a quick 10-minute Indian snack made with frozen corn and bread. These sweet corn fritters are perfect for tea time, kids’ tiffin, or last-minute guests — no soaking or grinding dals needed!


Sandhya Riyaz

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Sandhya Riyaz

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