Mudakkathan Keerai Paniyaram Recipe

Mudakkathan Keerai Paniyaram Recipe with step by step pictures

Paniyaram / Kuzhi Paniyaram is a famous snack from Tamil nadu that is made in a paniyara kal , a special pan used to cook these batter based dumplings.In many parts of the state it is served as a breakfast dish and as an evening snack / tiffin item.

As I am showcasing dishes from Tamil nadu in the second week of Indian sweets and snacks , I wanted to present a paniyaram recipe as it is a family favorite and always a hit with the kids.

I make these as an after school snack and the kids are delighted and are always eager to savor these dumplings.

Since I already have a few versions of Paniyaram, I thought of adding some greens to it and hence this Mudakkathan Keerai Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe

I made this as a tea time snack today and the lil one who is not a fan of vegetables [except a select few] did not hesitate to devour these paniyaram. After he finished eating them, I casually mentioned that I had added the greens and he was ok with it! I guess the color had impressed him!

Mudakkathan Keerai is a climber herb that has a lot of health benefits.

Mudakkathan Keerai Kuzhi Paniyaram Recipe

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 green leafy vegetable that grows extensively in the rural areas,in
almost everybody’s backyard. Even if this doesn’t grow in the backyard, we
are fortunate enough to get these from the farmers market where the
produce comes mostly from the rural areas around here.

A few days back, I found a small plant growing on the side of the road . I carefully got it home and planted it in our backyard. It started growing and I am now happy to use it in our cooking.

This greens 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 of Mudakkathan Keerai

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.

Other recipes with Mudakkathan Keerai

Some Paniyaram Varieties

Let’s move on to the recipe… Here is the soft and fluffy Mudakkathan Keerai Paniyaram..

Step by step method to prepare Mudakkathan Keerai Paniyaram Recipe

Take a handful of mudakkathan leaves and a handful of coriander leaves in a mixie jar and grind to a paste. Add a few sprinkles of water if needed. Add this to 2cups of leftover idli / dosa batter and mix well.

Heat a small pan with oil. Add mustard , jeera, channa dal, urad dal. When it splutters and dal turns brown add red chilies, curry leaves and finely chopped onion. Saute till onions turn golden brown.

Pour into the batter and mix well. Heat a paniyaram pan and add a little oil in each of the depressions. Add a tablespoon of batter and cook on medium flame till bubbles appear on the surface. Carefully turn them over and cook for another couple of minutes. Remove from pan once done.

Serve hot with a spicy chutney

Note:

Mint leaves can also be used.
The batter mixed with the herb will taste a bit bitter but bitter taste will not be evident once the dish gets done. Kids will never find out what went into this dish!