In this blog post we would like to throw light on “Green Amaranth” that shies away from the spotlight , but has always shined as the underdog. Showing physical similarities to Spinach, Amaranth comes in various tones of Green, Red, Gold and Purple. We will discuss about Red Amaranth in one of our next blog posts.
Benefits Of Green Amaranth
Though Amaranth has gained a name in the recent times, it’s roots can be traced to history where Ayurveda deemed it high and worthy in terms of nutritional value and healing nature.Brimming with carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins Green Amaranth helps in maintaining digestive health, and regulating weight as well. Backed by iron and fibre, it also helps in reviving patients of anaemia, preventing hair loss, treating cardiovascular problems and reducing cholesterol.
Jotted below are three easy to make and delicious recipes of Amaranth Leaves.
Recipe 1
Harive Hashi
This dish is similar to Raita and is prepared using blanched amaranth, ground coconut and yogurt. It serves as a perfect evening snack for hot summer evenings.
Put about 4 cups of finely chopped Amaranth leaves in little water to steam. Cook them till they slightly soften, and make sure that they don’t become pulpy and lose their green vibrancy. Fry 2-3 green chillies and a tbsp of sesame seeds in a drop of coconut oil. Carry this on till the sesame seeds begin to pop. Now add a pinch of salt to this and blend the mixture properly so that it converts into a smooth paste. Now add 3/4th cup of yogurt to this and mix it well. Fry a dry red chilli and 1/2 tbsp of mustard seeds in oil for a very short time and pour it over the above mixture. Harive Hashi is ready to be served hot!
Recipe 2
Chaulai Dal
Simple to cook and high in nutrition, this dish is best served with Jowar Chapatis as a healthy combo. The flavors added are light and the dish is infused with good quantities of iron, protein and fibre.Soak 1/2 a cup of Toor Dal in water for about 30 minutes. Pressure cook this in 1 and a 1/2 cups of water and add a pinch of turmeric to this. Let it cook, and after that gently mash the dal. After this wash a bunch of Amaranth leaves alongside soaking tamarind in water for 20 minutes.
Now, Heat 2tbsp of oil in a pan and add the spices,½ tsp dry red chilli flakes, finely chopped 5 cloves of garlic and 1 onion , 3 sliced green chilies,1 pinch of turmeric powder,1 pinch asafoetida,½ tsp of cumin seeds,½ tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp of kasoori methi . Fry this mixture until the colour of it turns golden brown. Now to this add the chopped green Amaranth leaves and heat on a medium flame for about 5 minutes. Pour the tamarind extract in this and allow it to cool down.
Combine this with mashed dal to have a sumptuous meal.
Recipe 3
Amaranth Green Salad With Asian Dressing
Light to the stomach and delight to the mouth. This recipe is easy-peasy and just full of nutrition.
Mix 1 big bowl of washed and trimmed amaranth to seasonal veggies. To make the dressing, mix ¼ cup of olive oil, 1-3 tbsp of toasted sesame seed oil, ¼ of cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp of fresh sesame seeds, 1-3 cloves of finely minced garlic,
1 tbsp of freshly grated ginger, 1-3 tbsps of finely chopped fresh basil, black pepper to taste in a bowl and mix until it becomes a smooth mixture. Now once the dressing is prepared, gently pour it over the salad. Toss and stir it to make it ready to eat.
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