Mooli Laccha
A crunchy, refreshing North Indian salad made with grated daikon radish (mooli), zesty lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This instant radish pickle, known for its 'laccha' or thread-like texture, is a perfect zesty side for any meal and comes together in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Radish
- b.Wash and peel the mooli (daikon radish). Using the large holes of a box grater, coarsely grate the radish.
- c.Place the grated radish in a muslin cloth or a clean kitchen towel. Gather the ends and twist tightly to squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy salad.
- d.Transfer the dry, squeezed radish threads to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Aromatics
- b.To the bowl of grated radish, add the finely grated ginger, chopped green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
- c.Gently toss with a fork to combine all the ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking up the radish threads.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and Serve Immediately
- b.Just before you are ready to serve, sprinkle the chaat masala and salt over the radish mixture.
- c.Drizzle the fresh lemon juice all over.
- d.Give it a final, quick toss to mix the seasonings evenly.
- e.Serve immediately as a crisp and zesty side dish with your main meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most critical step is squeezing all excess water from the grated radish for a crunchy texture.
- 2Always add salt and lemon juice right before serving. They draw out moisture and will make the salad watery if added too early.
- 3Use a coarse grater to get the characteristic 'laccha' (thread-like) texture.
- 4For a milder flavor, you can deseed the green chilies before chopping them.
- 5This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Storing it will cause it to lose its crunch and become watery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Carrot Mooli Laccha
Add 1 medium-sized carrot, grated, along with the radish for extra color, sweetness, and nutrients.
Tempered LacchaTempered Laccha
For a South Indian twist, heat 1 tsp of oil, splutter 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and pour this tempering over the salad before serving.
Pomegranate GarnishPomegranate Garnish
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of fresh pomegranate arils on top before serving for a burst of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
Minty FreshnessMinty Freshness
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves along with the coriander for an extra layer of cooling flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Daikon radish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Excellent for Weight Management
Being extremely low in calories and high in fiber and water content, Mooli Laccha helps you feel full and satisfied without adding significant calories to your meal.
Boosts Immunity
Both daikon radish and lemon juice are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
Natural Detoxifier
Radishes are known to have diuretic properties, which help in flushing out toxins from the body by promoting urination, thus supporting kidney health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Mooli Laccha contains approximately 25-35 calories, making it a very light and low-calorie side dish. The exact number can vary slightly based on the size of the radish.