Ponnangani keerai sambhar

The Botanical name of this greens is 'Alternanthera sessilis'. Sanskrit name is Matsyakshi. The common English name is Dwarf copperleaf/ Joyweed/ Sessile joyweed. Well...we call that "Ponanganni keerai" in Tamil. It is body coolant. It gradually induces a change, and restores healthy functions without evacuations (Alterative). Specifically recommended in the case of - - Fever - Eye ailments - Asthma - Gonorrhea - Syphilis . It improves eye sight! As the name implies it improves one's complexion! People say its good for Piles complaint and reduces flabbiness. 

Source : http://www.ammas.com/topics/Cooking/a157400.html

Ingredients Needed :

• Ponnangani Keerai - 1 bunch
• Small Onions - 10 - 15
• Cooked Moong dhal - 1/2 cup
• Tamarind juice - little (or)
• Tomatoes - 2 
• Sambhar powder - as reqd.
• Salt - as reqd.
• Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Urid dhal - 1/4 tsp
• Methi seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Hing powder - 1/4 tsp
• Oil - 2 tsp.

Method :

                      Clean and remove the leaves from the stem and keep it aside ..(this was bit tedious job , but still as it is good for health ...we have to do it) 

In a Kadai Oil and temper with mustard seed + urid dhal +methi seeds + hing powder+ Small onions and fry well for few mins , then add the ponnangani keerai and fry for few more mins..now add tamarind juice or Chopped tomatoes + salt + sambhar powder and allow it to boil well then add cooked moong dhal and boil it for few more mins till done.  Once it gets thicker , switch off the gas.