Ponnanganni Keerai Varai With Grated Coconut | Alternanthera Sessilis Recipe

Have you ever tasted Ponnanganni keerai varai? Or even have you heard about Ponnanganni? Ponnanganni is also known as Alternanthera sessilis in English is one of the healthy aquatic plants. It is used as a green vegetable especially in Sri Lanka and some Asian countries. But nowadays ponnanganni keerai spread all over the world and you can get this green vegetable in most of the Sri Lankan, Indian, and Pakistani shops.

There are many health benefits you will get from ponnanganni keerai. It is very rich in protein, iron, fiber, minerals, phosphorous, and calcium. Ponnanganni keerai is a good vegetable for your eye and skin. Besides, it enhances energy level, removes body heat, cures piles, improves breast milk, and cures asthma. Apart from all, you can use ponnanganni keerai as a herbal medicine, the plant has diuretic, cooling, tonic, and laxative properties.

This particular ponnanganni keerai varai with grated coconut is one of the main vegetable dishes among Sri Lankans. Since it is a good healthy vegetable, we often cook this dish. I’m pretty sure that you will like this recipe. We Sri Lankans usually have this ponnanganni keerai varai with rice and curries. Alright, let’s see how to make ponnanganni keerai varai with grated coconut or Alternanthera sessilis recipe in Sri Lankan style.

My Favorite Combo: Rice + This Recipe + Chicken Curry + Dal Curry + Rasam

Ponnanganni Keerai Varai with Grated Coconut

Ingredients

• Ponnanganni keerai/Alternanthera sessilis – 125g
• Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons
• Large onion – ½
• Green chili – 1 or 2
• Red chili – 1 or 2
• Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
• Salt – As you need
• Cooking oil – As you need

Instructions

1. Chop the onion. Cut the red chili and green chili into medium sized pieces as shown in the picture below. Get ready with grated coconut, turmeric powder, and salt. (Refer Note 1)

2. Take the bunch of ponnanganni keerai. Remove the leaves from its stem. Chop the leaves finely and rinse it well at least 1 or 2 times. (Refer Note 2)

3. Add turmeric powder and salt into the finely chopped ponnanganni keerai. Mix everything well and keep aside.

4. Heat the oil in a cooking pan. Add onions, green chili, and red chili. Sauté until the onion turns into golden color.

5. Now add finely chopped ponnanganni keerai.

6. Stir, mix and cook uncovered under medium flame for 4 to 6 minutes. You should stir and mix constantly.

7. Add grated coconut. Cook and stir constantly for 1 or 2 minutes under medium flame.

8. Serve and enjoy this Sri Lankan style healthy ponnanganni keerai varai with grated coconut.

Notes

Note 1: Grated coconut is the main ingredient to this recipe. It gives a good taste and smell. But you can cook this dish without grated coconut as well.

Note 2: Some people, including me, using the upper part of the stem as well for cooking. So, you don’t need to ignore the whole stem.

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So, what do you think about this ponnanganni keerai varai with grated coconut recipe? If you have a chance to buy ponnanganni keerai, give a try on this recipe. I’m sure you will love it. Write your thoughts and suggestions in the comment box below. Also, you can share this healthy recipe with your friends and relatives by clicking one of the social share buttons below.