The adulteration in the country is so good that you get two leafy greens for the price of one. Let me know if you were ever this lucky!
Bought some siru keerai(Tropical Amaranthus) and there it was! An expected guest in the bunch.
Usually leafy greens here are either packed with grass or some kinds of other leafy greens. They are usually of different varieties but I got lucky today because there was only a negligible amount of grass present and a good quantity of this surprisingly healthy looking leaves. I weighed it but forgot to record.
I reverse image searched and found its name to be this.
Punarnava/Boerhavia diffusa/Hogweed/Mukurattai in tamil language. Punarnava translates to “Becoming new again.”
Now I wonder because of the name Hogweed if the sellers are intentionally packed the leafy greens with grass or if they are just there because it is a weed.
Either way, turns out they are a medicinal plant packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. It has laxative property hence consuming them before a meal helps with constipation acccording to Ayurvedic practices.
According to PharmEasy, Punarnava benefits
The eyes
The gastro intestine
The Nueromuscular health
The Respiratory health
The Joints
CAUTION: I do not have any allergies but if you do then I suggest you don’t
try it.
TOTAL TIME: 15 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS
Punarnava leaves/ Hogweed/Boerhavia diffusa – 1/8C (tightly packed)
Water – 2 cups
Cumin powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Coarsely ground pepper powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric powder – 1/8 teaspoon
Tablesalt – 1/8 teaspoon (or according to your taste)
RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Rinse the leaves twice with water. To a heavy bottomed sauce pan
or a cooking vessel, add the leaves and two cups of water. Let it come to a
rolling boil then lower the heat and simmer the water for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and let the soup simmer for 5
minutes more.
Step 3: Turn off the heat, strain through metal strainer and drink warm
before a meal or as is.
Quantity of the output soup = 331ml
NOTES
Always add salt gradually to any dish to suit your preference.
CAUTION: I do not have any allergies but if you do then I suggest you don’t try it.
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Bye!