Radish Greens Poriyal Recipe (South Indian Style Radish Greens Stir Fry)
Radish greens, often overlooked and discarded, are a nutritional powerhouse packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals that offer a significant health boost. This South Indian-style stir fry, known as Radish Greens Poriyal, uses these often discarded greens to create a vibrant and nutritious dish that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner. Full of antioxidant properties, radish greens are also known for their medicinal benefits, traditionally used to treat jaundice and rheumatism. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t bitter at all and have a pleasant taste that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Whether you are new to this healthy ingredient or have been using it for years, this simple, yet delicious, Radish Greens Poriyal will be a delightful addition to your meal.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 12, roughly chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Mooli Ke Patte (Radish Greens) | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For The Ground Spice | |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/4 cup, soak in warm water for 10 minutes |
| Fresh coconut | 2 teaspoons, grated |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1, adjust to taste |
| For Tempering | |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/2 inch, grated |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ground Spice
Begin by gathering all the ingredients. For the ground spice, coarsely grind the soaked Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal), fresh coconut, and dry red chilli together. Do not add any water during grinding. Set this aside. -
Temper the Spices
Heat a Kadai or wok with sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle. Add the grated ginger, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and curry leaves. Let the tempering spices release their aroma, which will infuse the oil and form the base of the flavor. -
Cook the Shallots and Tomato
Add the chopped shallots and tomatoes to the pan. Stir gently, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the shallots to turn light brown. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Continue stirring over a low flame until the tomatoes become mushy and everything is well combined. -
Incorporate the Ground Spice
Now, add the coarsely ground spice mixture to the pan. Sprinkle in about a tablespoon of water to help the spices combine with the vegetables. Let this mixture cook for another 3–4 minutes over low flame, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Add Radish Greens
Once the spices have cooked down and the mixture smells fragrant, add the finely chopped radish greens (Mooli ke Patte). Stir well to ensure the greens are evenly coated with the spices. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the radish greens are tender and have absorbed the flavors. -
Final Touches
Your healthy and delicious Radish Greens Poriyal is now ready to be served! This stir fry is the perfect side dish to serve with Sambar and Appalam for a traditional South Indian lunch or dinner.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains sesame oil, which is a common allergen for some people. If you are allergic to sesame or other seeds, you can substitute with a neutral oil like sunflower or canola oil. Additionally, toor dal and coconut may also cause allergic reactions for some individuals. Always double-check ingredients if cooking for people with known allergies.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This dish is 100% vegetarian, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is also dairy-free, making it perfect for vegan diets or those avoiding dairy products.
- Low in Fat: With sesame oil in small quantities and the addition of nutrient-dense greens, this dish is relatively low in fat, especially when compared to other fried side dishes.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Spicier: Adjust the quantity of dry red chilli based on your spice preference. You can even add more green chillies if you like it hot.
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, consider adding some cooked toor dal (split yellow pigeon peas) into the poriyal to boost the protein content.
- Variation in Greens: While radish greens are the main ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute them with other leafy greens such as spinach or mustard greens for a different flavor profile.
- For a Crunchy Texture: Some people enjoy adding a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy element to this dish.
Conclusion:
Radish Greens Poriyal is a simple yet nutritious dish that is not only packed with flavor but also packed with health benefits. By utilizing radish greens, which are often discarded, this recipe provides a delicious and sustainable way to make the most of the vegetables you have at hand. Whether served as a side dish with sambar and appalam or enjoyed on its own, this South Indian stir-fry will surely become a favorite in your home. With its ease of preparation, vibrant flavors, and numerous health benefits, Radish Greens Poriyal is the perfect addition to any vegetarian meal.
