Healthy lunch recipes: Fresh (raw) turmeric sabzi

Treat yourself to this nutritious and comforting recipe during winters

Popularly known as kacchi haldi ki sabzi, this is a winter delicacy when fresh turmeric is available in abundance. I do not need to tell you about the health benefits of turmeric, both dry and fresh. It s even called a poor man s saffron in most parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. While we incorporate turmeric powder easily in Indian cooking in small amounts, fresh turmeric is eaten raw as a salad with some salt and squeeze of lime. I recently tasted the sabzi for the first time, and it s worth a try. The fresh and earthy taste of turmeric gives you the perfect winter feel. It s easy to prepare and can be relished with bajra roti, jowar bhakri or even plain paranthas. It tastes delicious during dinners with khichdi too. Read: Ways to use raw turmeric for indigestion, sore throat, cough and cold.

Here s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Fresh haldi, grated
• 3 green chillies, finely chopped
• 1 piece ginger, grated
• 1 tsp saunf powder
• 1 cup curd
• 2 tbsp gram flour or besan
• 2 tsp red chilli powder
• 3 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp, freshly chopped coriander

Method:

1. You can use a combination of both light and dark coloured turmeric root for this sabzi or either. The orange turmeric tastes better in the sabzi because of its sharp flavour.
2. In a bowl, mix curd and besan so that no lumps are formed. Add salt, saunf powder, red chilli and coriander powder to it and mix well.
3. In a nonstick pan, heat the oil. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Add green chillies, and ginger and saute.
4. Add the grated fresh turmeric and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes till it turns soft.
5. Now add the yogurt mix to it while stirring it regularly to avoid lumps. Once it starts thickening, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes. You can add little water if the sabzi sticks to the pan.
6. Once ready, mix in the freshly chopped coriander and serve. You can also try this raw turmeric juice to beat arthritis.

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