Pathiya Samayal Contest Entry: Manathakkaali Keerai Dish
Submitted by: Vijaya Venkatesh
Ingredients:
- Manathakkaali keerai (Black Nightshade leaves) - a small bunch
- Coconut - a small piece
- Red chilli - 1
- Pepper - 4 or 5
- Jeera (Cumin seeds) - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Boiled moong dal - 1 small cup
- Hing (Asafoetida) - a pinch
- Mustard seeds - for seasoning
- Urad dal (Split black gram) - for seasoning
- Curry leaves - a few
Method:
Preparation:
- Wash the Manathakkaali keerai thoroughly and chop the leaves finely.
- Boil the moong dal and keep it ready.
Cooking the Leaves:
- In a pot, add the chopped Manathakkaali keerai, a little water, salt, and a pinch of hing.
- Cook until the leaves are tender.
Grinding the Masala:
- Grind the coconut, red chilli, pepper, and jeera into a fine paste using a little water.
Combining Ingredients:
- Add the ground paste to the cooked leaves.
- Mix well and cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked moong dal and mix thoroughly.
Seasoning:
- In a small pan, heat some oil.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and fry until golden brown.
- Add curry leaves and sauté briefly.
- Pour this seasoning over the Manathakkaali keerai mixture and stir well.
Serving:
- Serve the Manathakkaali keerai dish hot, mixed with rice. It makes a nutritious and tasty meal.
Health Benefits:
Manathakkaali keerai is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in healing mouth ulcers (vaai punn). This leafy green is a great addition to a diet aimed at soothing and healing the digestive tract and oral health.
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish!
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