Radish (Mooli) Upkari

After the radish-top soup, I decided to make this dry curry from the radish and the left over leaves. I make this upkari quite often. Besides it is also very tasty, healthy and  easy to prepare   It tastes specially good with chapattis.

Ingredients:

Radish with leaves	7-8
Onion (chopped)	1 large
Mustard seeds	1 tsp
Oil	2 -3 tsps
Fresh green or red chilies (split)	2
Salt	As per taste
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
For Garnish
Freshly Grated coconut (optional)	1 tbsp
Coriander leaves (chopped)	1 tbsp

Method:

1. Separate the radish from its leaves. Wash them thoroughly in water. Chop the leaves finely and keep aside.
2. Scrape and grate the radish. Sprinkle salt on it and keep it aside for about 10-15 minutes. Then squeeze out all the water from the grated radish. (Do not throw away this water as it can be used for making soup) Preserve the squeezed out water in the freezer if you are making the soup a few days later.
3. Heat a pan with the oil. Add to it mustard seeds and when it starts spluttering, add the chopped onions and chilies. Stir for a while till the onions are slightly browned.
4. Add turmeric and the grated radish (from which all the water has been squeezed out). Stir well on a low flame.
5. Next add the finely chopped radish leaves and mix well.
6. Add more salt only if necessary (as the same has been added before).
7. Do not add any water - but if it starts sticking at the bottom, sprinkle a little water on top. Keep stirring (for about 5-7 mins) till the green leaves wilt and is cooked. Remove from flame.
8. Garnish with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.

Note:

• You can also make this dish without the radish leaves.
• One tsp of lime juice when added to the "upkari" enhances its taste.