Taro root, popularly known as Arbi not just brings great taste but also a world of health benefits to your platter. It is a root vegetable generally eaten as a side dish or prepared as a curry. A large herbaceous plant, Arbi usually thrives well in shade or in wet areas. One of the oldest vegetables of the Indian subcontinent, it is not just popular in India but also in Malaysian countries. The plant has large green heart-shaped leaves and starchy edible bulb roots. While the leaves taste like cabbage, the brown skinned fruit tastes a lot like sweet potato. Taro roots and leaves are loaded with nutrition and imparts a nutty flavour. The corms and the leaf stalks of this plant are widely used for making both sweet and savoury dishes. In Odisha, taro root is known as Saru and is used for gravy based dishes where the rice is wrapped in taro leaves for bestowing it with an aromatic flavour. In Assam the leaves are popularly used as salad and for rice flavouring.

Also read: Bring Home Bamboo Rice, Unravel Hidden Secrets of Health

Health Benefits of Arbi

Arbi is loaded with numerous nutrients. Presence of cellulose, pectic polysaccharides and calcium oxalate make the vegetable slimy yet rich in fibre, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, E. Arbi keeps blood sugar levels in control, prevents heart diseases and reduces cancer risk. It also helps to improve immunity which made it extremely beneficial during the pandemic time, hence over time arbi is slowly gaining attention of many health enthusiasts and nutritionists.

Well, to get a good boost of nutrition, relish these awesome easy dishes made out of this crunchy, nutritious vegetable this summer.

Dahi Arbi
 

Ingredients:

250 gms taro root/arbi

1 tsp of refined flour

3/4 cup yoghourt

3 cups water

1/2 tsp chopped ginger

2 green chillies chopped

1/2 tsp black salt

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp red chilli powder

1/4 tsp garam masala

3 tbsp fresh coriander leaves

1 tbsp refined oil

Salt as required

For tempering:

2 tsp refined oil

1 tsp carom seeds

1/4 tsp asafoetida

2 cloves

Method:

Wash and pressure cook taro root for 2 whistles

Peel off the skin and slice into medium roundels

Heat oil in a pan and deep fry these slices on high heat till golden

Mix flour into curd well and add water

Heat refined oil in a pan and add carom seeds, asafoetida and cloves

When carom seeds become golden, add chopped green chilies and chilli powder

Immediately pour in the curd and water mixture and stir

Add all the remaining spices and taro root slices

Mix and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes while keep stirring

Add fresh coriander leaves and serve

Nutrition

Dahi arbi contains arbi as a key ingredient. Arbi is rich in carbohydrates and fibre that makes it great for blood sugar management. This recipe contains curd which is a probiotic, loaded with calcium for strong bones and improves immunity.

Ajwaini Arbi

Ingredients:

500 gms of taro roots/arbi

1 tsp of grated ginger

1 tsp of carom seeds/ajwain

1/4 tsp asafoetida

1 tsp red chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp dried mango powder

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves

3 tbsp refined oil

Salt as required

Method:

Wash and pressure cook taro root for 2 whistles or boil in a pan till done.

Peel and divide each arbi in two pieces

Heat oil in a pan, deep fry arbi slices till golden brown in colour on high flame

Drain and keep aside

Heat oil in a pan, add carom seeds and asafoetida. When it starts crackling, lower the heat and add ginger and stir

Add the garam masala, turmeric and chilli powder and add the fried arbi pieces

Stir to mix all the spices with the arbi pieces

Add salt to taste, dried mango powder, chopped green coriander

Sprinkle lemon juice and serve hot

Nutrition:

Ajwain arbi contains carom seeds that improve the flow of stomach acids and relieve indigestion. It also improves cholesterol levels. Coriander leaves and seeds are full of vitamin K that helps in bone repair and blood clot.