Manathakkali Keerai Thanni Saaru (மணத்தக்காளி கீரை தண்ணி சாறு) is a soup variety. In this dish, the greens are simmered in rice water. “Rice Water” refers to the water that is drained after the rice has been washed before cooking. In Tamil, it is known as “Arisi Kazhuviya Thanneer” – “அரிசி கழுவிய தண்ணீர்”.
Seasoned with cumin and salt, the greens are simmered until tender. A final touch of freshly ground coconut paste is added for a rich and creamy finish. This comforting dish pairs well with steamed rice. A drizzle of ghee makes it a perfect addition to a traditional South Indian meal.
This can be consumed mixed into hot steamed rice or served as a soup. It’s quite soothing and excellent for alleviating soreness in the mouth and on the tongue.
Manathakkali Keerai Thanni Saaru
4
servings10
minutes15
minutesDiscover the soothing Manathakkali Keerai Thanni Saaru, a traditional Tamil soup made by simmering greens in rice water.
Ingredients
Manathakkali Keerai – a small bunch
Onion – 1
Green Chillies – 2
Coconut gratings – 2 to 3 tablespoons
Jeeragam (Cumin) – 1 teaspoon
Oil – 2 teaspoons
Mustard – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon or as per taste
Rice water – 2 cups
Directions
- Remove the leaves from the stem, rinse thoroughly, and chop coarsely.
- Finely dice the onion and green chilies.
- Heat oil in a wok and add mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the diced onion and green chilies. Sauté for two minutes before adding the greens (keerai).
- Season with cumin (jeera) and salt, then stir well. Pour in the rice water and simmer on a low flame until the greens are tender.
- Grind the coconut into a smooth paste and incorporate it into the greens. Stir well, let it boil for a few more seconds, then take off the heat.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If the Rice water is not available, you can use ordinary plain water and cook it.