The Nilgiris are filled with numerous trees and vegetation that supply essential food items to its residents. Today we will be learning about one such type of green vegetable that grows abundantly on riverbanks and in agricultural lands. These greens are called spiral spinach in English and are very easy to cook.
How to collect the greens?
Collecting this type of greens is an easy process because they can be easily identified. The plant looks very similar to aquatic plants. But this plant is light green in color and quite strong when you try to uproot it. This plant is not only easy to collect and to cook as well.
Materials required:
Suitable cooking utensils
Curly or Spiral Spinach (Brassica oleracea Acephala)
Cooking oil
1 Onion
5 green chillies
Few mustard seeds
Salt to taste
Cooking instructions:
First we have to separate the spiral leaves from the stem and clean them.
The leaves should be washed thoroughly in water.
Place the cooking utensil on the stove and put cooking oil in it.
After the oil heats, put a few mustards into the oil and let it sputter.
Add chopped onions, chillies and fry well.
When the onion is slightly browned, add the washed spinach and cook well.
Once it is cooked add the required amount of salt.
Cook for 5 minutes and the spinach will be ready.
Special features of the Spiral Spinach:
The spiral spinach can be eaten like noodles. This is one of the favorite foods of the Adivasis. You can try the recipe too and tell us how you like it.
About the author: Kutty Krishnan is 22 years old and belongs to the Paniyar tribe of Gudalur in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Kutty is a member of Accord and represents Adivasi Muneetra Sangham (association for Adivasi welfare) that fights for Adivasi rights especially Human Rights and Land Rights.
This article is created as a part of the Adivasi Awaaz project, with the support of Misereor and Prayog Samaj Sevi Sanstha.