Mooli ka Laccha
A refreshing and crunchy North Indian salad made from grated radish, zesty lemon juice, and simple spices. It's a perfect, quick side dish to cut through the richness of curries and dals, ready in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Radish (5 minutes)
- b.Thoroughly wash and peel the mooli (radishes).
- c.Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the mooli into a large bowl.
- d.This is the most critical step: Take handfuls of the grated mooli and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. You can also place it in a muslin cloth and wring it out. Discard the water.
- e.The squeezed radish should be quite dry. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients (3 minutes)
- b.Transfer the dry, grated mooli to a clean mixing bowl.
- c.Add the finely chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and optional kala namak (black salt).
- d.Pour the fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toss and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- c.Taste and adjust the salt, chaat masala, or lemon juice if needed.
- d.Serve immediately to enjoy its fresh, crunchy texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing the water from the radish is the most important step to avoid a soggy salad.
- 2Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture, as it will become watery if left to sit.
- 3For a milder flavor, you can deseed the green chilies before chopping them.
- 4Use fresh, firm radishes for the best texture and flavor.
- 5A food processor with a grating attachment can significantly speed up the preparation time.
- 6For a different texture, you can julienne the radish into thin matchsticks instead of grating it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Addition
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) for a unique, pungent flavor that also aids digestion.
Texture EnhancementTexture Enhancement
Mix in 2 tablespoons of pomegranate arils just before serving for a pop of sweetness and extra crunch.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of red chili powder along with the other spices for extra heat and color.
GarnishGarnish
Garnish with a few thin slices of ginger (ginger juliennes) for a sharp, zesty finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Radish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. Spices like cumin further support a healthy digestive system.
Excellent for Weight Management
This salad is extremely low in calories and fat while being high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. This makes it a perfect addition to a weight-loss or healthy eating plan.
Boosts Immunity
Both radish and fresh lemon juice are good sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system, fight off infections, and promote healthy skin.
Hydrating Properties
Despite squeezing out excess water, radishes are naturally hydrating vegetables. Consuming them contributes to your daily fluid intake, which is essential for overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Mooli ka Laccha is very low in calories. One serving (about half a cup) contains approximately 25-30 calories, making it an excellent choice for a light and healthy side dish.