Mooli ka Laccha
Crisp, spicy julienned radish strands tossed with lemon juice and a quick tempering of cumin and green chilies. This North Indian side salad is refreshing, crunchy, and ready in under 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry spices.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Peel and julienne the radish.
Peel the white radish and cut into thick matchstick-sized juliennes. Avoid grating — the laccha style needs crunchy strands.
- mix · ~5 min
Season the radish.
In a mixing bowl, toss the julienned radish with salt and lemon juice. Mix well and let it rest for 5 minutes so the radish releases a little moisture.
- temper · ~1 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add cumin seeds and let them splutter (30 seconds).3.Add slit green chilies and sauté until fragrant (15 seconds).TIPMake sure the oil is hot enough — cumin must crackle on contact to release its nutty aroma. - mix · ~1 min
Toss everything together.
Pour the hot tempering over the seasoned radish. Add chopped coriander leaves and toss everything together until well combined.
- serve
Serve immediately at room temperature.
Transfer to a serving bowl and serve right away while the radish is still crisp. Pairs beautifully with dal-chawal or stuffed parathas.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut radish into uniform thick juliennes for best crunch.
- 2Do not skip resting the salted radish — it draws out just enough water to soften the bite without making it soggy.
- 3Heat oil until it shimmers before adding cumin seeds; they should splutter immediately for maximum aroma.
- 4Serve immediately after tossing with tempering — radish loses crunch if left standing too long.
- 5For extra heat, slice green chilies into rings instead of leaving them slit.
- 6Leftover laccha can be refrigerated in an airtight jar for up to 1 day, but texture will soften.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip the tempering and instead toss the radish with toasted cumin powder, chili flakes, and lemon juice for an oil-free version.
crunchy add inCrunchy-add-in
Add a handful of roasted peanuts or crushed sev on top just before serving for an extra layer of nutty crunch.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace coriander leaves with fresh mint leaves for a cooler, brighter flavor profile that pairs well with spicy curries.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low-Calorie Crunch
Radish is very low in calories and high in water content, making this a guilt-free side that adds bulk to meals.
Digestive Aid
Radish is traditionally known in North Indian cuisine to stimulate digestion, and the cumin seeds further support gut health.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption and immune support.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but white daikon is preferred because it is milder and stays crisp. Red round radish will work but has a sharper bite.
