Traditional Indian greens- Gongura leaves (Part 2)
Posted By HealthyBuddha on Tuesday 29th November 2022
Next on this series of traditional Indian greens are gongura leaves or sorrel leaves in English. It has either green or red stems and is found in the southern parts of India, predominantly Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Telangana.
Health benefits
Like all our traditional greens, even gongura has some medicinal and health benefits worth knowing!
- Rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, Calcium, sodium, iron, potassium and phosphorus
- Rich in flavonoids, proteins and carbohydrates
- Detoxifies body
- Prevents cancer and tumours
- Strengthens bones, hair and digestive system
Gongura is a very versatile green, used extensively in delicious Andhra cuisine. The gongura chutney is especially easy to make. Though a bit sour in taste, it goes well with rice.
Wash and add 7-8 bunches of gongura leaf bunches to a pressure cooker. Add ¼ tsp. turmeric powder, 2 tsp. red chilli, 3-4 garlic cloves and salt to taste.
Now add 3-4 green chillies, 2 tbsp. Coriander leaves and 1 medium sized tomato and onion finely chopped. Add 1 tbsp. oil and half cup water and pressure cook for two whistles or till the leaves are soft. Blend into a paste or mash well after cooling.
Add a tadka of ½ tsp. urad dal, chana dal, mustard seeds and jeera each into 3 tbsp. oil. When it splutters, add 1 tsp. fine chopped garlic, 4-5 dried red chillies and 5-6 curry leaves. Stir well and pour the tadka over the gongura chutney when it gives a crackling sound. Add chopped onions, mix and enjoy with rice.
Do you want to know what we are coming up with next? Well its the all famous dil or sabaki leaves, grown and used extensively throughout India.
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