Mudakkathan Keerai or Balloon vein leaves is the greens that I picked up a couple of weeks back at the greens vendor @ the farmer’s market. It was the last bunch so I knew they were in demand.I had in mind a few recipes to try with it, so got the bunch and set out make them.
The first dish that I made is this soup that is very easy to make. This soup is a part of Blogging Marathon # 60,Week 1, Day 2 with the theme Diabetic / Healthy dishes.
If you are new to this greens, here is what it looks like…
The name is actually from the term – Mudakku + Atraan, meaning it prevents the immobility of the joints.Over time, it came to be called mudakkathan.
This is a green leafy vegetable that grows extensively in the rural areas,in
almost everybody’s backyard. Though it doesn’t grow in our backyard, we
are fortunate enough to get these from the farmers market where the
produce comes mostly from the rural areas around here.
It tastes a little bitter when eaten raw but when it is made into a dish or added to a dish,the bitter taste disappears.
Some of the health benefits.
- It is used to treat joint pains.In folk medicine, it is said to cure Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- It has anti inflammatory properties.
- It is rich in anti oxidants.
Now to the recipes.
I used:
Water- 2 cups
Balloon vein leaves- a handful
Balloon vein stalks, tender- a few, chopped
Garlic- 2 pods
Cumin seeds- 1/2 teaspoon
Peppercorns- 1/2 teaspoon
Asafotida powder- a large pinch
Salt to taste
Heat water in a pan and add the garlic, peppercorns, cumin seeds and bring to boil. Add the tender stalks and leaves and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the asafoetida powder and remove from heat. Strain and add salt.
Serve hot / warm.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#60
Bon Appetit….
I have this greens in plenty in front of my house, but never used it in cooking. This soup look very nice. Need to try..
Interesting.. never heard of these leafy greens. Its always good to learn something new. Thanks for sharing.
You guys are lucky to get this greens, i seriously miss it.. Btw the soup looks absolutely stunning and wish i give a try very soon.
Sounds so impressive PJ..must search for this!
my pati used to make this in rasam form, although i forget what it was called in kannada …is it honagone soppu ?? such a flavourful soup….
New to me ! PJ only you can come up with such healthy soups .
Very interesting soup ,sounds flavorful.
Such an interesting soup, never made mudakathan soup,must be a flavorful soup..
Herbs specialist aka PJ:) Thanks for introducing us to this new ingredient.
Very healthy and definitely something that we all should be including in our diets.
I don't think I have ever seen this greens. Sounds like a healthy soup.
PJ, this is very new to me. Such a healthy one