Best Easy Carrot Leaves Recipes Indian
Carrot leaves, often discarded as waste, are actually a nutritious and flavorful addition to Indian cuisine. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, carrot leaves are not only healthy but also provide a unique taste to dishes. Here are some of the best easy carrot leaves recipes from Indian cuisine that you can try at home.
1. Carrot Leaves Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups carrot leaves, washed and chopped
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add chopped carrot leaves and sauté for a few minutes until wilted.
4. Add salt and red chili powder. Mix well.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and serve hot with roti or rice.
2. Carrot Leaves Dal:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pigeon peas (toor dal), washed and soaked
– 2 cups carrot leaves, washed and chopped
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
Method:
1. Pressure cook the soaked pigeon peas with water until soft and mushy.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add chopped carrot leaves and sauté for a few minutes until wilted.
4. Add cooked pigeon peas, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Cook for another 5-10 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
3. Carrot Leaves Chutney:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups carrot leaves, washed and chopped
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 2-3 green chilies
– 1 tablespoon roasted Bengal gram (chana dal)
– Salt to taste
Method:
1. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Adjust salt and spices according to taste.
3. Serve as a side dish with dosa, idli, or rice.
4. Carrot Leaves Soup:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups carrot leaves, washed and chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
1. Heat butter in a pan and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
2. Add carrot leaves and sauté for a few minutes until wilted.
3. Add salt, pepper, and enough water to cover the leaves.
4. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Blend the mixture in a blender until smooth.
6. Serve hot as a healthy appetizer.
7 Questions and Answers:
1. Are carrot leaves edible?
– Yes, carrot leaves are edible and can be used in various recipes.
2. Are carrot leaves nutritious?
– Yes, carrot leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.
3. Can I substitute carrot tops for carrot leaves?
– Yes, carrot tops and carrot leaves are the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
4. Can I use carrot leaves in salads?
– Yes, carrot leaves can be added to salads for a unique flavor and added nutrition.
5. Can I freeze carrot leaves?
– Yes, you can freeze carrot leaves by blanching them and storing in airtight containers.
6. How long can I store carrot leaves in the refrigerator?
– Carrot leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
7. Can I use carrot leaves in other cuisines?
– While carrot leaves are commonly used in Indian cuisine, they can also be used in other cuisines like Mediterranean and Middle Eastern for added flavor.