Agathi Keerai (South Indian Recipe) – A Traditional South Indian Delight
Description
Agathi Keerai, also known as Agathi Leaves, is a traditional South Indian dish that combines nutritious greens with moong dal (yellow split gram) to create a delicious and wholesome meal. The dish is cooked with aromatic spices, jaggery, and grated coconut, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Agathi Keerai is often enjoyed as a side dish with rice or flatbreads, offering both nutritional benefits and rich taste.
Ingredients
This vibrant dish is easy to prepare with the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Agathi Keerai (Agathi Leaves) | 500 grams (washed and chopped) |
| Yellow Moong Dal | 1/4 cup (soaked for 2 hours) |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jaggery (Grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Red Chilies | 2 (broken) |
| Fresh Grated Coconut | 3 tablespoons |
| Oil (preferably coconut oil) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Main or Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Soaking Moong Dal
Begin by soaking the yellow moong dal in water for about 2 to 3 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and set the dal aside for later use.
Step 2: Cooking Agathi Keerai and Moong Dal
Take a pressure cooker and add the washed and chopped Agathi keerai along with the soaked moong dal. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Close the lid and cook the mixture for 2 whistles on medium heat. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 3: Preparing the Tempering
In a separate pan or kadhai, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds. Next, add the dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Stir the ingredients and let them cook for about 15 seconds to release their flavors.
Step 4: Mixing the Ingredients
Now, add the cooked Agathi keerai and moong dal mixture to the pan. Add grated coconut, jaggery, and salt to taste. Stir everything well to combine, and allow it to cook for 2 more minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once done, turn off the heat. The Agathi Keerai is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this nutritious and flavorful Agathi Keerai with garlic dal (lahanthi dal) and soft phulkas (Indian flatbread). It can also be paired with rice for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
Agathi Keerai is packed with health benefits, including high fiber content and essential vitamins. The addition of moong dal provides a good source of protein, while the coconut and jaggery contribute a natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Cooking Tips
- Choice of Greens: If Agathi leaves are not available, you can substitute with other South Indian greens like drumstick leaves or spinach.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: You can modify the number of dried red chilies to adjust the spice level of this dish.
- Using Fresh Coconut: Fresh coconut will provide a richer flavor, but if fresh coconut is not available, dried coconut can also be used.
This Agathi Keerai recipe offers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it an excellent dish to incorporate into your regular meal plan, especially if you’re looking for a healthy, vegetarian option. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of South Indian cuisine right in your home!
