Is Mulangi Upkari healthy?

Yes, it's very healthy. Radish is low in calories and high in fiber and Vitamin C. The use of coconut oil provides healthy fats, and the spices offer various health benefits. It's a nutritious, plant-based, and gluten-free dish.

Can I make this dish without coconut?

While fresh coconut is traditional and adds a lovely texture and sweetness, you can omit it if you prefer. The dish will still be flavorful from the tempering spices.

What can I serve Mulangi Upkari with?

It pairs wonderfully with South Indian meals, especially with steamed rice, sambar, rasam, or dal. It also complements chapatis or other Indian flatbreads.

How do I reduce the pungent smell of radish?

Using fresh, young radishes helps. Additionally, chopping the radish and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes can reduce some of the pungency. The jaggery in the recipe also helps to balance the sharp flavor.

Home / Recipes / south_indian / Mulangi Upkari

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Mulangi Upkari

RATING

4.4/5(72)

TASTE SCORE

6/10

A simple and wholesome radish stir-fry from the Konkani coast of Karnataka. Tender radish is cooked with a classic South Indian tempering and finished with fresh coconut for a delightful side dish.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 CUP

111 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 4 STEPS

Prepare the tempering. Heat coconut oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds. Immediately add the urad dal and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns golden brown. Add the broken dried red chilies and curry leaves, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté and cook the radish. Add the chopped radish and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the radish with the tempering spices and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer until tender. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, add salt, and mix. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the radish is tender but still holds its shape. Most of the water should have evaporated.
Finish and serve. Uncover the pan, add the fresh grated coconut and optional powdered jaggery. Mix gently and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or dal.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Do not overcook the radish; it should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
2
Adding a small amount of jaggery is key to balancing the natural pungency of the radish.
3
For the best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated coconut. Desiccated coconut can be used in a pinch but should be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes first.
4
Ensure the urad dal in the tempering turns a nice golden brown without burning to achieve the perfect nutty flavor and crunch.
5
Daikon radish works best for this recipe, but other varieties of white radish can also be used.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

With Lentils

Add 2 tablespoons of cooked toor dal or moong dal along with the coconut for a more wholesome and protein-rich dish.

Spicier Version

Add 1-2 slit green chilies during the tempering process for an extra layer of heat.

With Onion

Sauté half a finely chopped onion after the tempering until translucent, before adding the radish, for a sweeter flavor base.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

fiber

Rich in Fiber

Radishes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

immunity

Boosts Immunity

High in Vitamin C, radishes help strengthen the immune system, protecting the body against common infections and illnesses.

hydration

Hydrating Properties

Radishes have a high water content, which helps keep the body hydrated and supports healthy skin and kidney function.

gut_friendly

Good for Digestion

The spices used in the tempering, like mustard seeds and curry leaves, are known to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve overall digestive health.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A typical serving of Mulangi Upkari (about 1 cup) contains approximately 90-110 calories, making it a light and healthy side dish.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

fusion·5 min·347 cal

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Mulangi Upkari

For 4 servings

Sauté and cook the radish. Add the chopped radish and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the radish with the tempering spices and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Simmer until tender. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, add salt, and mix. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the radish is tender but still holds its shape. Most of the water should have evaporated.

Finish and serve. Uncover the pan, add the fresh grated coconut and optional powdered jaggery. Mix gently and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or dal.