Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thazhuthama Ella Thoran

 
Thazhuthama Ella Thoran
Punar nava is the name given to the herbal plant thazhuthama (mookarattai in Tamil, hog weed in English). Our ancestors used to prepare delicious dishes using thazhuthama. The medicinal value of thazhuthama is quite incredible.

It functions as a rejuvenating agent for crucial organs like the liver, kidney and lungs. Thazhuthama mezhukkupuratti (roast), a popular dish among the old generation, is prepared by mixing thazhuthama with coconut, turmeric powder and pepper. Medicinal plant herbs expert says the leaves of thazhuthama gives a new lease of life to kidney, liver and eyes. Its leaves are rich with vitamins and roots are used to cure Asthma.

Ingredients:
Thazhuthama leaves- cut into very small pieces ( to be contained in a full plate)
Coconut - 1 cup grated
Greenchillies 5-6
Small onion chopped 1/4 cup
Mustard seeds 1/4 tsp
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Oil 2 tablespoons
Curry leaves
Salt to taste

Method:
Heat oil in a pan and splutter the mustard seeds.
Add the chopped onions and stir for a minute.
To this add the turmeric powder, green chillies, thazhuthama leaves and salt.
Stir it well and cook for a minute.
Now add the grated coconut, stir again well, and cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
There is no need to add water while cooking.Open the lid in between or every one minute and stir the mixture well. When it is done add the curry leaves.
Thazhuthama thoran can be served with roti or rice .