Simple radish fry , Mooli fry , Mullangi vepudu

Radish fry along with leaves , Mullangi Vepudu , Mooli Fry

Radish is a root crop and more commonly we prepare mooli parothas or use them in sambar. I got hold of a simple radish fry for which I wanted the leaves of radish as well. Luckily, my neighbour was growing these crops and one fine morning I could get a bunch of fresh radish and the leaves. We do get these radish with the leaves in the local markets and of course not in the so-called supermarkets or malls. If one wants to get any fresh and seasonal veggies or fruits, he is supposed to visit the local market in that area.

The leaves of the radish are a very good source of calcium, iron, magnesium and folate. In fact, the leaves are the most nutritious part of radish. But many dislike the taste as it is a bit more on the pungent side. But once in a while, we should eat the whole veggie along with leaves considering the health benefits. As a matter of fact, I have seen people who eat the raw radish which keeps them safe from illnesses.

So today, I am posting a simple radish fry which I was forced to eat in my childhood. This can be had with hot steamed rice or chapatti. This radish fry can also be used as stuffing for a roll along with grated cheese and some tomato sauce. Kids will enjoy this as a roll and is a great lunch box idea or an after school snack. They will have this without any fuss.

Method :

Clean and wash the radish and the leaves.

Chop the leaves finely and the radish as well. Heat oil in a pan and do the tempering with mustard seeds and cumin seeds.

When they splutter add garlic pods and fry until they change colour.

Add chopped onion and red chillies. Add turmeric powder.

Mix in the chopped radish and add salt.

Mix well and cook with lid on. Keep stirring occasionally.

When the radish are almost half done, add in the chopped leaves.

Again cover with lid and cook on low flame. Keep stirring occasionally. When the leaves turn soft to chew, add chilli powder and check for salt as well.

Mix well and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from flame and serve hot with hot steamed rice.

Ingredients :

Radish 1/2 kg or 5 ( in number )medium sized
Leaves All the leaves that come along with the above radish
Oil 2 tbsp.
Mustard Seeds 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
Garlic Pods 10-11
Onion 1 small
Red Chillies 2-3
Turmeric Powder 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Chilli Powder 1 tsp

Preparation :

1. Wash and chop radish along with the leaves finely.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds.
3. When they splutter, add garlic and fry until they change colour.
4. Add onion and red chillies.
5. Add turmeric powder and chopped radish. Add salt.
6. Mix well and cook covered on low flame.
7. When the radish is half cooked, add the chopped leaves.
8. Cook on low flame with lid on. Stir occasionally.
9. When the leaves become tender, add chilli powder and check for salt.
10. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from flame.
11. Serve with hot steamed rice or chapatti.

Notes :

You can also add sesame powder or fried groundnut powder just before you remove from flame. This gives a nice flavour to the curry.