Radish greens stir fry or Mulo shak bhaja is a nutritious and flavorful dish that often overlooked, yet highly nutritious, greens of radishes.
Radish greens, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are not only healthy but also delicious when cooked right.
This quick and easy stir fry recipe transforms the radish greens into a delectable side dish that pairs well with rice or flatbreads.
With a perfect blend of spices and a touch of ginger, the Radish greens stir fry offers a delightful medley of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Key Takeaways:
- Radish greens stir fry is a nutritious and flavorful dish that often goes overlooked, but it offers a delicious and healthy way to enjoy radish greens.
- Radish greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them not only healthy but also delicious when cooked right.
- The stir fry is a quick and easy recipe that transforms radish greens into a delectable side dish, perfect to pair with rice or flatbreads.
- The dish offers a delightful medley of flavors with a perfect blend of spices and a touch of ginger, tantalizing the taste buds.
- Whether you’re new to radish greens or looking for a new way to enjoy them, this stir fry recipe is a wonderful addition to your diet, providing a nutritious and flavorful option.
The Ingredients
- Radish Greens or mulo shaak: 2 bundle (with little radishes, chopped & cleaned)
- Dried red chili: 4 pieces
- Green chili: 3 pieces (longitudinally slit)
- Ginger: 1 tbsp (grated)
- Mustard oil: 4 tbsp
- Salt: as per taste
How to Make Radish Greens Stir Fry (Step by Step Images)?
1. Place a wok on the gas stove and turn on the flame. Add 4 tablespoons of oil to the wok.
(Expert tip: Add oil according to your preference; I have used 4 tablespoons as the two-bundle green will need it.)
2. Once the oil is hot, add four dried red chilis and fry them for 2 minutes. When the color changes and a nice aroma starts to emit, add the green chilis.
3. Add the green chilis and sauté them for ½ min, then add the grated ginger. Sauté the ginger for 1 minute.
(Expert tip: If you don’t prefer ginger, you can add grated garlic instead.)
4. Next, add the radish greens and mix everything well. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix everything thoroughly. Keep the gas stove flame at medium to high heat.
5. Cover the lid and let the greens steam and cook.
6. Open the lid. Water will be oozing out from the greens, which will boil them and then fry them. Cover the lid again.
7. Open the lid once more. The water should have dried up. Now, stir-fry the greens while keeping the flame at medium heat.
(Expert tip: You can steam the greens separately, discard the water beforehand, and then add them to the oil.)
8. Stir fry the greens continuously to ensure they fry evenly.
(Expert tip: Be patient while frying the radish greens; don’t rush it. Keep the flame at medium or they might burn.)
9. Radish Greens Stir Fry is ready and transfer them to a plate.
Pro Tips for Making Radish Greens Stir Fry
Fresh and Tender Greens: Choose fresh and tender radish greens for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using wilted or tough greens, as they may not cook well and can be bitter.
Wash Thoroughly: Radish greens can often be sandy or gritty, so it’s essential to wash them thoroughly. Rinse them in cold water multiple times and use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess water.
Separate Stems from Leaves: Radish greens typically have thicker stems and delicate leaves. To ensure even cooking, chop the stems into smaller pieces to make them more tender.
Garlic Infusion (Optional): Infuse the oil with garlic before adding the greens to enhance the flavor. Crush a few garlic cloves and sauté them in oil until they release their aroma. Remove the garlic pieces before adding the greens to avoid overpowering the dish with garlic flavor.
Spice Blend (Optional): Use a balanced spice blend to enhance the taste of the radish greens. A simple combination of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, red chili flakes, and turmeric powder works well. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Don’t Overcook: Radish greens cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to retain their vibrant color and nutritional value. Stir fry them just until wilted and tender.
Lemon or Lime Zest (Optional): For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a touch of lemon or lime zest just before serving. The citrusy flavor complements the earthiness of the greens beautifully.
Texture and Crunch (Optional): To add a delightful crunch to the stir fry, you can toss in some toasted nuts or sesame seeds during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serve Immediately: Radish greens stir fry is best served immediately while it’s still hot and flavorsome. Pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or any flatbread of your choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to create your own unique version of the stir fry.
With these pro tips, you can create a delicious and nutritious radish greens stir fry that highlights the natural flavors of the greens while complementing them with delightful spices and textures.
What to Serve with Radish Greens Stir Fry?
Here are some delicious options to pair with the stir fry:
Steamed Rice: A classic and simple pairing, serving the radish greens stir fry with steamed rice allows you to enjoy the flavors of the dish while providing a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Roti or Chapati: Radish greens stir fry complements Indian flatbreads like roti or chapati wonderfully. The combination of the stir fry’s earthy flavors with the soft texture of the flatbreads creates a delicious and balanced meal.
Naan: Serve the stir fry with naan bread for a more indulgent meal. The soft and fluffy naan complements the greens and spices, making it a delightful combination.
Brown Rice: If you prefer a healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice is an excellent choice. Its nutty taste and slightly chewy texture add a nice contrast to the stir fry.
Remember to adjust the level of spiciness and flavors in the radish greens stir fry to complement the accompaniments you choose.
This allows you to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
How Does Radish Greens Stir Fry Taste?
Radish greens stir fry has a unique and delightful taste that combines earthy and slightly peppery flavors with a hint of spiciness and a touch of garlic. The taste of radish greens can be described as follows:
Earthy: Radish greens have a natural earthy flavor, reminiscent of leafy greens like spinach or mustard greens. This earthiness is well-balanced and not overwhelming, providing a pleasant and fresh taste.
Peppery: Radish greens belong to the same family as radishes, and they inherit a mild peppery taste from their root vegetable counterparts.
However, the peppery flavor in the greens is much milder compared to radishes, making it enjoyable even for those who might not prefer strong peppery notes.
Mildly Bitter: Some radish greens can have a subtle bitterness, especially the larger and older leaves. However, when cooked properly, the bitterness is toned down, and the overall taste becomes more delicate and pleasant.
Spicy: The stir fry is typically spiced with red chili, adding a gentle kick of heat to the dish. The spices complement the natural flavors of the greens and enhance the overall taste.
Balanced Flavors: When cooked well, the radish greens stir fry achieves a harmonious balance of flavors. The earthiness, mild bitterness, peppery notes, and spiciness come together to create a delightful and well-rounded taste.
The stir fry’s overall taste is both comforting and satisfying, making it an excellent way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of radish greens while savoring a delicious and flavorful dish.
Radish Greens Stir Fry Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to radish greens stir fry or want to try different dishes with similar flavors and textures, here are some delightful options:
Saag (Greens) Paneer: Saag Paneer is a classic North Indian dish made with a mixture of greens, such as spinach, mustard greens, or fenugreek leaves, cooked with spices and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
The paneer adds a creamy and rich texture, while the greens provide a similar earthy and mildly bitter taste as radish greens.
Mustard Greens Stir Fry: Substitute radish greens with mustard greens for a different twist. Mustard greens have a stronger peppery and slightly bitter taste, which pairs well with the spices used in the stir fry.
Spinach Stir Fry: Spinach is a versatile leafy green that works well in stir-fries. Saute spinach with similar spices and garlic to create a simple and flavorful side dish.
Methi (Fenugreek Leaves) Aloo: Methi Aloo is a popular Indian dish where fenugreek leaves and potatoes are sautéed with spices. The fenugreek leaves have a unique slightly bitter taste, similar to radish greens, and complement the potatoes beautifully.
Mixed Greens Stir Fry: Experiment with a combination of different greens like spinach, kale, chard, and mustard greens to create a colorful and flavorful mixed greens stir fry.
Cabbage Stir Fry: Shredded cabbage makes for a delicious stir fry. It has a slightly sweet taste and cooks quickly, making it a convenient and tasty alternative.
Broccoli Stir Fry: For a change of taste and texture, try a broccoli stir fry. Broccoli florets can be quickly stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce for a simple and nutritious dish.
By trying these alternatives, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures while still relishing the goodness of leafy greens in your meals. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and spices to create unique and delightful dishes.
Recipe Card:
Radish Greens Stir Fry (Mulo Shak Bhaja)
Ingredients
- 500 grams Radish Greens (with little radishes, chopped & cleaned)
- 4 pieces Dried red chili
- 3 pieces Green chili (longitudinally slit)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
- 4 tablespoons Mustard oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a wok on the gas stove over medium heat and add your preferred amount of oil (approximately 4 tablespoons).
- Once the oil is hot, add four dried red chilis to the wok and fry them for about 2 minutes until they change color and release a pleasant aroma.
- Add the green chilis to the wok and sauté them for about 30 seconds, then introduce grated ginger and continue sautéing for 1 minute.
- If you prefer, you can use grated garlic instead of ginger for added flavor.
- Now, add the radish greens to the wok and thoroughly mix them with the spices. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt and ensure even distribution of the seasoning. Keep the heat at medium to high.
- Cover the wok with a lid to let the greens steam and cook.
- After a while, open the lid. You'll notice water oozing out from the greens, which will eventually boil and fry them. Cover the lid again.
- Open the lid once more, and by now, the water should have dried up. Start stir-frying the greens while maintaining a medium heat.
- It's important to stir-fry the greens continuously to ensure they cook evenly and avoid burning.
- Be patient while stir-frying the radish greens, as rushing it could lead to burning. Keeping the flame at medium will yield the best results.
- Once the Radish Greens Stir Fry is ready, transfer it to a plate and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious dish as a flavorful side, perfect for pairing with rice or flatbreads.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
In a nutshell, “Radish Green Stir Fry” is a simple dish, and by following the outlined steps, you can prepare a delicious side dish.
With the right combination of spices, sautéing techniques, and proper cooking time, you will achieve a flavorful and well-cooked dish to serve and enjoy.
Make sure to follow the expert tip for the best results.
