In this blog, we'll uncover the "rad"ical benefits of incorporating radishes into your diet, and we'll dive into three delicious dishes that showcase the versatility and distinct flavor of this underappreciated root vegetable. Get ready to spice up your culinary journey and discover why radishes deserve a prime spot in your kitchen! Let's rad-ish on with the following star dishes:
RADISH SAUTEE (Makes for 2)
This is flavor packed, earthy, pungent sautee which is really easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 tsp oil, 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds, few Curry Leaves, 2 Red Chillies, chopped Radish Leaves (1 cup), 1/2 Tomato(cubed), cubed White Radish (1 cup).Salt, Turmeric & Coriander Powder per taste.
Process:
- Take oil in pan. Heat.
- Add Mustard seeds to let them splutter.
- Then add Curry leaves & Red chillies.
- Add the Radish leaves. once they soften, add Tomato cubes & your powders.
- Add Radish cubes. Once semi cooked, add salt.
- Cook on medium heat till radish cubes soften (test with a fork)
- Enjoy
RADISH RAITA (Makes for 2)
This is a yummy, yogurt based quick dish using Radish.
Ingredients:
1 cup yogurt, grated radish, salt, 1 tsp oil, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, chopped green chillies, few curry leaves, Turmeric.
Process:
- Beat a cup of yogurt.
- Add salt and raw grated radish. Mix well.
- In a small pan, heat oil.
- Add mustard seeds, chopped chillies, curry leaves & turmeric.
- Add to bowl.
- Enjoy.
RADISH CHUTNEY (Makes for 2)
This is a tangy, spicy Chutney made of Radish & the sour Tamarind pulp/water.
Ingredients:
Tempering - 1 tsp oil. 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 2-3 green chilli chunks, couple of curry leaves, 2 red chillies, 1/2 inch ginger piece, 4-5 fenugreek seeds.
Other-1/2 cup radish cubes, 1/2 cup tomato cubes, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Liquid-1/2 cup tamarind water (water squeezed after you soak tamarind or tamarind pulp in hot water)
Process:
- Take oil in pan. Heat.
- Add all "Tempering" ingredients & let them splutter. Remember to let the mustard seeds splutter. Do not 'fry' the ingredients.
- Take it aside & let it cook.
- In the same pan, add radish pieces to 1/4 tsp oil & let it cook.
- Add tomatoes & cilantro & cook for 5 more minutes on sim.
- Add salt. Add Tamarind pulp.
- Let it cook for 3-4 minutes before you turn the heat off & let it all cool.
- Blend everything together in blender.
- Take out in a bowl & additionally garnish with some cooling mint or cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
So, pucker up for the peppery goodness of radishes and let these three delightful dishes inspire you to explore the rad-ish side of cooking. Your taste buds and health will thank you for embracing this versatile root veggie!
Ayurvedically speaking, there are 2 varieties of Radish - the big & the small. One of the names of Radish in Sanskrit/Ayurveda is Moolaka.
In Ayurveda, radishes are classified as having a pungent (katu) taste, which is believed to stimulate the digestive fire (agni). They are also considered light (laghu) and dry (ruksha) in nature. These qualities make radishes particularly suitable for pacifying Kapha dosha, the elemental force representing earth and water, as radishes help balance excess mucus and heaviness in the body.
Key properties of radishes in Ayurveda:
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Digestive Aid: Radishes are highly regarded for their ability to aid digestion. The pungent taste of radishes can help stimulate the appetite and promote the secretion of digestive juices, supporting the digestive process.
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Detoxification: Radishes are believed to have detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the liver and gallbladder. They assist in flushing out toxins from the body, promoting better elimination and reducing the accumulation of waste products.
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Respiratory Health: Ayurveda suggests that radishes can be beneficial for respiratory health. The pungent nature of radishes can help alleviate congestion and clear excess mucus from the respiratory system.
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Balancing Kapha: Due to their light and drying nature, radishes can help balance Kapha dosha, making them a suitable addition to the diet, especially during the spring season when Kapha tends to be aggravated.
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Hydration: Radishes are known to have a high water content, making them hydrating and beneficial for the skin and overall hydration levels in the body.
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Nutrient-Rich: Radishes are known to be good source of various essential nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being.
In Ayurveda, radishes are commonly consumed raw, cooked, or in the form of radish juice. They are often included in cleansing diets and used in various Ayurvedic remedies for specific health conditions. However, as with any dietary advice, it's essential to consider individual constitution (Prakriti) and any existing health conditions before incorporating radishes or any other food into one's daily routine. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can provide personalized guidance on using radishes and other herbs or foods to support specific health goals.
