Maria NasirDaikon, Mooli, White Radish…different names for this amazing vegetable which is often seen in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, has a special place in south Asian cuisine too. This herbaceous plant with crisp, tangy tasting roots is available in many varieties all the year round ; summer, spring and winter. Mostly it’s eaten cooked or pickled but in Punjab it’s served as fresh salad with meaty, fatty dishes and is believed to help digestion and breaking down of oil, fatty animal protein and dairy or as a stuffing for the famous mooli parathas.
The misfortune with white radish (daikon) is that most people get put off with its tangy taste and rather pungent smell, and its numerous health benefits are overlooked. The 1/2 cup of white radishes which we will use for the white radish (daikon) dip contains only 1.3 g of carbs, 7 calories, 0.05 g of fat, 14.5 mg of vitamin c. It aids in digestion and is an excellent antioxidant, helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Daikon Seeds are also edible and have been used for centuries as digestion aid, relief from fatigue and to cleanse the toxins in blood and body. The extract from these seeds helps fight cancer and boosts immunity.It also helps prevent and treat migraines.
It’s included in weight loss programmes as it keeps one filled up and hydrated for longer time without loading on calories. In fact in Ayurvedic it is believed that it burns fat too. The regular use of daikon use keeps acne away and clears the skin.
This super food can be prepared in many delicious ways, this dip is one such quick and simple idea to include it in our daily diet. Serve it as a side with lentils and vegetable curries.Enjoy a healthy dip for a change instead of a creamy, cheesy dip loaded with calories and bad fat. This goes well with almost all meat, vegetable and lentil mains and makes yummy salad dressing or a yummy sandwich spread.
For White Radish/Daikon/Mooli Dip :
1/2 white radish, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup coriander leaves
2 green chilli pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
A pinch carom seeds or ajwain( optional)
This Is What You Do:
Just blend all the ingredients in a food processor or electric blender and your healthful dip is ready.