Mooli ki Sabzi
A simple and rustic North Indian stir-fry made with fresh radish and its tender greens. This quick and healthy sabzi, spiced with ajwain and amchur, is a perfect homestyle dish to pair with hot rotis.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Radish and Greens
- b.Separate the radish from its leaves. Wash both thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
- c.Finely chop the tender radish leaves and set aside.
- d.Peel the white radish and chop it into small, 1/2-inch half-moon slices or cubes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper the Spices
- b.Heat mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is lightly smoking. This step is crucial to remove the oil's raw pungency.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida).
- d.Allow the seeds to sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds, ensuring they don't burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Radish
- b.Add the finely chopped ginger and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma of ginger disappears.
- c.Add the chopped radish. Increase the heat to medium and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges of the radish start to look translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Spices and Greens
- b.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the radish evenly with the spices.
- c.Add the chopped radish leaves to the pan. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt completely.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Sabzi
- b.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sabzi cook for 10-12 minutes.
- c.Stir once or twice in between to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The radish should be fork-tender when done.
- d.If the mixture seems too dry, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of water.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the radish is cooked, remove the lid and add the amchur (dry mango powder).
- c.Mix well and cook for another minute without the lid to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
- d.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Serve hot with roti, paratha, or as a side with dal and rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, tender radishes with vibrant green leaves for the best taste and texture.
- 2To reduce any potential bitterness from the radish, you can sprinkle the chopped radish with a little salt, let it sit for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water before cooking.
- 3Heating mustard oil properly until it shimmers is key to achieving an authentic, non-pungent flavor.
- 4Don't overcook the radish; it should be tender but retain a slight bite for the best texture.
- 5The radish leaves are nutrient-dense and add a unique peppery flavor; try not to skip them if they are fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Potatoes (Aloo Mooli)
Add one medium potato, cubed, along with the radish for a more filling sabzi. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
With TomatoesWith Tomatoes
Add one finely chopped tomato after sautéing the ginger and cook until it turns soft and mushy before adding the radish and spices.
Punjabi StylePunjabi Style
Add a pinch of garam masala along with the amchur at the end for extra warmth and a more complex flavor profile.
With Moong DalWith Moong Dal
Add 2 tablespoons of soaked yellow moong dal along with the radish for added protein and a different texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Radish and its greens are high in dietary fiber, which aids in smooth bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports overall gut health. Ajwain (carom seeds) is also traditionally used to relieve indigestion.
Boosts Immunity
Radishes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system, fight off free radicals, and protect the body against common infections.
Supports Weight Management
This dish is very low in calories and fat but high in fiber and water content. This combination helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, making it an ideal choice for a weight-loss or weight-management diet.
Rich in Nutrients
The combination of radish and its leaves provides a good dose of essential nutrients, including potassium, folate, calcium, and iron, which are vital for various bodily functions like blood pressure regulation and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Mooli ki Sabzi (about 1 cup or 120g) contains approximately 80-100 calories, making it a very light and low-calorie dish suitable for a healthy diet.