Southindian: Arai Keerai Poondu Poriyal (Amaranth and Garlic Stir Fry)

There are many varieties of amaranth used regularly in southindian cuisine, I've used spleen amaranth in this stir fry. Garlic and chilly flavor in this stir fry is ultimate. We enjoy this stir fry with roti, or rice topped with ghee and sometimes stir fry topped on bread toast.

Amaranth Leaves Stir Fry Recipe Video on Vidyascooking Channel

Ingredients:

2 Bunches Amaranth Leaves = 750 Grams Cleaned Amaranth

2 Whole Garlic Bulbs Peeled, Washed and Slightly Crushed = 20 Pearls Garlic 

1 Large Onion Peeled, Washed and Roughly Chopped = 1 Cup

1/2 Tsp Mustard Seeds

1/2 Tsp Black Gram Dhal

8 Dried Red Chilies Broken in Half

1/4 Tsp Asafoetida

Salt as per taste

2 1/2 Tbsp Oil

Prep:

Separate the leaves and tender stems, if any fibers remove and reserve the stems. Do not use any blooms.

Wash the leaves and stems separately, changing water six times. Soak the leaves for few minutes between every change and rinse.

Drain the leaves and stems until most of the moisture has drained. Finely chop the stems and leaves separately and reserve.

Method:

Heat a wok on medium flame with oil. Add the mustard, split black gram and dried red chilies fry on medium flame until the mustard starts to sputter.

Once the mustard stops sputtering add chopped onion and crushed garlic, fry till the onion turns transparent.

Add asafoetida and fry for a minute. Add the tender stems and fry for a minute, add water and 1/4 tsp salt stir and cook until the stems are tender.

Add chopped greens to the masala and stir and fry, till the greens wilt. Add 2 to 3 tbsp water and salt as per taste stir well and cook until the raw flavor from the amaranth reduces.

Once the amaranth has cooked good aroma will release the stir fry is done. Fry for a minute and serve hot. Little moisture in the stir fry adds to flavor and taste.

Do not cover the amaranth while cooking as it looses texture and nutrients. Serve this amaranth stir fry with hot rotis, rice or on bread toast and enjoy...😊

Amaranth Recipes Posted on Vidyascooking Channel

Amaranth and Eggplant Sambar

Amaranth and Dhal Curry