Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal:

Keerai Poondu Poriyal. Keerai Kadalai Paruppu Poriyal.

The Botanical name of this greens is ‘Alternanthera sessilis’. Sanskrit name is Matsyakshi. The common English name is Dwarf copperleaf/ Joyweed/ Sessile joyweed. Well…we call that “Ponanganni keerai” in Tamil.

I googled some of its medicinal Value:

It is body coolant. It gradually induces a change, and restores healthy functions. Specifically recommended in the case of – Fever, Eye ailments and Asthma

To my knowledge it improves eye sight! As the name implies it improves one’s complexion! People say its good for Piles complaint and reduces flabbiness.

Well there are again 2 varieties ‘Semai Ponnanganni’ & ‘Naatu Ponnanganni’. Yeah nothing but Foreign species and Native species! What ever the variety you’ve got…this recipe suits it and its good for health!

Ingredients:

Ponnanganni(greens leaves alone) 1 large bowl full – chopped
Chana dal 1-2 fistful (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
Garlic 10-15 cloves
Green chilies/Dry red chilies- 3 chopped
Salt
Turmeric pinch
Pepper powder 1 spoon
Coconut grated 2 spoons(optional)
Mustard seeds 1/4 spoon
Oil few spoons.

Method:

Cook dal in 1 cup of water. Wait till its kind of semi-done! Set aside.

In a wok, heat oil. Add mustard and wait till it pops. Add garlic and chilies too.

Further add coarsely chopped greens and cooked dal. Cook over medium heat.

When it is done, add pepper, coconut and remove from heat.

Serve to go with plain steamed rice! Its bet way! The other regular way…you know….goes as side dish!