Thotakura is also known as Amaranth leaves. This nutritious green leafy vegetable is an integral part of Indian cuisine, especially in the southern regions. Being a member of the family Amaranthaceae, this bright green, leafy plant is valued both for nutritional and practical use in cooking. It is often used in a variety of dishes: stir-fries, curries, soups. It is one of the preferences of healthy people. The leaves of thotakura are tender and have a slightly earthy flavour, which can vary between varieties. These leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K as well as vital minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. All of this makes thotakura an excellent ingredient in any diet that will strive to maintain a balanced perspective for one's health and wellness. Thotakura is healthy but also an easy ingredient to prepare. It can be used saut ed along with spices, or it can be added to lentils to change their texture, or used along with rice dishes to add flavour and colour. The leaves can also be used to make a very nutritious smoothie or added to salads. This gives one an element of freshness and vibrancy. Traditionally, thotakura is culturally popular in many Indian homes, where dishes are prepared based on traditional recipes that are passed down from generation to generation. Its hardiness makes it grow well in different climates, making it a popular plant for home gardens, where the fresh leaves of thotakura are used throughout the year in vegetable dishes. Thotakura adds richness to every meal by its taste and nutrient content. It reflects the relationship that nutrition, tradition, and sustainability share with health. The traditional curry or an experimental recipe with thotakura takes it up to a yummy pleasure while feeding the body.

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 medium tomato
• 2 green chilli
• 1 onion
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Thotakura leaves

• Start with washing the Thotakura leaves in running water to remove all the dust and grit particles.
• Then, chop the leaves coarsely. You can also add tender stems as they add little nutrition but give a good texture to the dish. This step is essential to make the thotakura recipe ready so that these greens are clean and ready to cook. Savour this nutritious as well as delicate dish with this recipe of thotakura.
• Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Mustard oil has a very pungent flavour and pairs very well with Thotakura, but you may use any cooking oil that you prefer.
• Add 1Tsp of cumin seeds when the oil is hot. Let the cumin seeds splutter and turn golden brown by letting them roast off the aromatic flavours in the oil.
• In a pan, add 1 finely chopped onion and saut until it gets transparent and soft. This usually takes approximately 3-4 minutes.
• Keep stirring, which will ensure that the onions won't burn.
• Add 2 green chillies slit or chopped and 1Tsp of ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Saut for another 2 minutes until the raw smell of ginger-garlic disappears and the chillies release their heat.
• Add 1 medium chopped tomato to the pan.
• Saut until tomatoes start breaking down and softening takes about 3-5 minutes.
• Now, the Thotakura is going to be flavoured with a delicious flavour base.
• Add in 1/2 Tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 Tsp red chilli powder and salt to taste. Mix well and let it get cooked for a minute to enhance their flavours.
• Now add chopped Thotakura leaves to the pan. Mix them very well with the spice mixture. And since they will be cooked down so much, you don't even have to worry about the initial quantity.
• Place the pan cover and cook Thotakura on medium heat till it gets tender for 5-7 minutes.
• Keep stirring from time to time so that it does not get stuck at the bottom of the pan and gets cooked evenly. If you like it soft, you can add 1/4 cup of water to the pan. But this is an optional step.
• Once the Thotakura is cooked and well mixed with spices, sprinkle 1/2 Tsp of garam masala on top for the aromatic flavour and the overall taste enhancement.
• Switch off the stove and garnish with 2 Tbsp coriander chopped on top of the Thotakura. It is an added colour plus gives a fresh flavour to the item.
• Serve the Thotakura hot steamed rice or roti. It goes well with a touch of dal or yoghurt to make it a full meal. Savour this healthy and tasty dish, celebrating the goodness of Amaranth leaves.