Mullangi Curry To Mooli Ka Achar, 7 Radish Dishes India Enjoys In Winter

Indian cuisine by nature is seasonal and as the weather changes, so do the dishes on people’s plates. Come winter, one of the favourite seasonal ingredients is the earthy and delicious radish or mooli. Radish is a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding flavour and texture to a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. From refreshing salads and tangy chutneys to stuffed parathas and flavourful curries, radish finds its place in numerous recipes.

They’re also a powerhouse of nutrition being low in calories but rich in fibre, vitamin C, and potassium, they support digestion, immunity, and heart health while keeping you hydrated. When buying radishes, look for firm, smooth ones with fresh leaves if attached. These leaves can also be turned into some delicious saags and salads, so no part of your winter radish will go to waste.

Curry is a mainstay of many Indian cuisines, and in the winter when radish abounds, this unique root vegetable takes on a new life. This earthy, spicy dish is common in Tamil Nadu and also popular in Sri Lanka. Made with a base of coconut milk and white radish, it’s minimalistic, with ingredients usually including basics like chilli, curry leaves, and turmeric for a milky, flavoursome bite where the radish is the star.

Parathas are a favourite breakfast all year round, but come winter, the magic of mooli adds to the flavour. This earthy vegetable when grated and drained of liquid makes for the perfect paratha stuffing. Mixed in with spices, toppeed with some melted butter or gheer and served with a side of dahi and achar, this is the ideal winter breakfast.

Also Read: Mooli Paratha For A Spicy Winter Breakfast

No Indian meal is complete without pickle and if you want to make the magic of mooli last all year long, make a big batch of this radish achar to preserve the delicious flavours beyond winter. Pickled with salt and vinegar along with a mix of spices like coriander seeds, turmeric, hing and a touch of fennel. You can switch up the spices as per your preference for the perfect home pickle.

Mullangi Sambar, a South Indian delight, gets a radish twist, perfect for winters. Radish adds its distinct aroma and taste, making it a must-try for radish lovers. This recipe uses sambar powder—either homemade or store-bought—and skips coconut for ease. Roast and grind spices quickly for fresh sambar powder if desired, ensuring a simple yet delicious curry.

While lauki ke kofte may be the ones with more fame, mooli also makes for a delicious kofta filling. Radish, known for supporting a healthy digestive system, is versatile beyond salads and shines in dishes like radish koftas. These flavourful and nutritious koftas are an excellent addition to lunch or dinner, offering a unique twist on traditional gourd koftas. Perfect for winter, when radish is at its best, this recipe brings a delightful seasonal flavour to your table.

Poriyal, typically made with stir-fried beans and coconut can also be adapted to include radish. In India, red and daikon radishes are commonly found, with white radish, or mullangi, widely used in Tamil Nadu. While Mullangi Sambar is popular, mullangi poriyal is a quick, flavourful dish that pairs perfectly with white rice and curry.

It’s not just the root itself that makes for a delicious winter dish, Mooli Ka Saag is a hearty and flavourful traditional Punjabi dish made using fresh radish greens. This gluten-free and vegan preparation showcases the earthy taste of radish leaves, which are sauteed with spices to create a comforting, wholesome dish. Perfect for the cooler months when radish greens are in season.

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