In the world of vegetarian cuisine, radish (also known as mullangi) offers a refreshing twist with its crisp texture and sharp, peppery flavor. This humble vegetable is not only low in calories but also packed with health benefits. Whether you're looking to enhance your salad, soup, or even side dishes, radish provides a delightful dimension to many recipes. Here, we'll explore five diverse and mouth-watering recipes featuring this versatile root vegetable.
1. Mullangi Sambar
Start with a comforting dish from South India, Mullangi Sambar. This dal-based stew combines lentils, radish, and an aromatic blend of spices. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Soak 1 cup of toor dal (split pigeon peas) for about 30 minutes.
- In a pressure cooker, cook the soaked dal with 2 cups of water until soft.
- In another pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, a pinch of asafetida, and let them splutter.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 2 sliced radishes, 1 diced tomato, and 1 diced green chili. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in 1 tbsp sambar powder, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp tamarind paste. Add water to adjust consistency.
- Combine the dal with the radish mixture, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve this warm, flavorful sambar with steamed rice for a soul-satisfying meal.
2. Radish Leaves Fritters (Mullangi Keerai Vada)
Not just the root, but the greens of radish can also be a star ingredient. These fritters are crispy, spicy, and a great way to use the often-discarded radish leaves:
- Wash and finely chop 1 cup of radish leaves.
- Soak 1 cup of chana dal (split chickpeas) for 2 hours, drain, and grind coarsely.
- Combine the ground dal with the radish leaves, 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped green chilies, 1 tsp fennel seeds, salt, and a pinch of asafetida.
- Form small patties from the mixture.
- Heat oil for deep frying and fry the patties until they turn golden brown.
Serve these crispy vadas with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
3. Mullangi Paratha
Get your dose of radish in this stuffed paratha, an excellent way to enjoy the vegetable as part of a hearty breakfast or lunch:
- Grate 2 medium-sized radishes after peeling.
- Add salt to the grated radish and let it sit for 15 minutes to release water. Squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix with 1 chopped green chili, 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, ½ tsp garam masala, and salt.
- Knead dough with whole wheat flour, water, and a bit of salt.
- Roll out the dough into small circles, place some radish filling in the center, gather the edges, seal, and roll again into a paratha shape.
- Cook on a hot griddle until both sides are golden and slightly crisp.
Enjoy your parathas hot with butter, raita, or pickle.
4. Mullangi Salad
Here’s a refreshing way to consume raw radish in a crisp, delicious salad:
- Peel and slice 2-3 radishes into thin rounds or julienne strips.
- Toss with 1 sliced cucumber, 1 grated carrot, 1 diced avocado, handful of microgreens or arugula.
- Make a simple dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of Dijon mustard.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and mix gently.
This salad not only highlights the radish but also provides a balance of flavors and textures.
🍏 Note: For better nutrient absorption, let the salad sit for 10 minutes after mixing with the dressing.
5. Mullangi Pachadi (Radish Chutney)
End our list with a zesty condiment that can spice up any meal:
- Grate 1 large radish.
- In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil, add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram), 1 dried red chili, and a few curry leaves. Let them splutter.
- Add the grated radish, salt, and cook until it's soft.
- Cool, then blend into a coarse paste with a small piece of tamarind and 1 tbsp jaggery for taste balance.
Spread this chutney over toast or serve it as a side with rice, dosa, or idli for a burst of flavor.
In conclusion, radish, with its unique flavor and health benefits, can be incorporated into an array of dishes to add zest, crunch, and nutrition. From the comforting South Indian sambar to the innovative use of radish greens in fritters, or even the simple yet delightful salad, these recipes show the versatility of radish in vegetarian cooking. Whether you choose to cook radish in soups, stir it into parathas, or enjoy it in raw forms, it's a vegetable that can truly enhance any meal with its distinct taste and texture.
What are the health benefits of radish?
+
Radish is high in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. It aids digestion, supports the immune system, and can contribute to weight management due to its low calorie content.
Can radish be eaten raw?
+
Yes, radish can be eaten raw, and it’s often used in salads to provide a crunchy, peppery bite. However, some might find it too sharp when eaten in large quantities.
How can I reduce the sharpness of radish?
+
Salting the radish slices and letting them sit for a while before rinsing off the salt helps to reduce the sharpness. Cooking radishes also mellows their flavor.
Are there any precautions to take when eating radishes?
+
Radishes are generally safe to eat, but individuals with thyroid issues should limit consumption due to the presence of goitrogens. Also, eat in moderation if you have stomach ulcers as they might irritate the lining.
