Keerai Kadaiyal [Greens Gravy]

I am sure that all of us[or at least most of us] have gone through the 'I-hate-greens' phase in spite of hearing the advice -"Eat your greens"! .Looking back now,I can understand why mom used to emphasize on the addition of greens in the diet.

The nutritive value of green leafy vegetables[Keerai/Soppu] cannot be undermined.Though some greens are used to add flavor,there are others which provide some vital vitamins and minerals that we need.

So,here is an easy greens gravy recipe that I learnt from my MIL.This is a change from the usual kootu/greens stir fry.

This recipes goes in for Food in colors-Green hosted by Sunshinemom.

You need:

Greens-1 bunch,finely chopped

Shallots-10 no.s, sliced

Garlic-5 pods,sliced

Tomato - 1 chopped

Red chilles-4 [adjust to taste]

Asafoetida-a pinch

Salt to taste

Oil - 2 teaspoons

To season:

Coconut oil - 2 teaspoons

Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon

Jeera - 1 teaspoon

Curry leaves-a few

  1. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan and put in the onions,garlic and saute till light brown keeping it in low flame.
  2. Add the tomatoes,asafoetida and red chillies and saute for a minute.
  3. Put in the greens,salt and mix well.
  4. Sprinkle the required amount of water and keep the pan covered and cook in low flame.
  5. Check once in a while ,stir and add water if needed.
  6. When the greens are cooked,remove from fire and transfer into a bowl.
  7. Mash well with a wooden spatula.[Traditionally we use 'maththu'].
  8. Heat the coconut oil and add the seasonings and let it crackle.
  9. Pour over the greens gravy and mix well.
  10. Serve with rice or chappathi.

Tips:

1.I have tried this in most variety of greens but not with fenugreek.Very tasty when prepared with palak,amaranth.

2.Cook the greens covered and in low flame.

3.Onions [1 no. sliced] can be used instead of shallots.

3.If coconut oil is not available use regular cooking oil for seasoning but the real flavour is got from coconut oil .

4.Do not grind the greens in a mixie as it will make it gooey.

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