Agathi Chickpeas Salad

Serves – 4

Prep time -45 mins 

Agathi (Sasbania Grandiflora) - One of the superfoods!

In Sanskrit, Agathi tree is called Agastya, which is a very sacred tree due to its high medicinal properties. Agathi is rich in vitamin A and highly detoxifying. Agathi is used to cure night blindness and migraine headaches, it is also used to improve memory and intelligence. 

Ingredients

Fresh Agathi leaves (Agase soppu) – 200gms.

Chickpeas – 150 gms.

Sesame oil – 3tbsp.

Spring onion – 50gms.

Mango ginger root (Mavina shunti) – 20gms.

Dried dates to garnish.

Pistachios  - 25-50 gms.

Basil leaves – A handful to garnish.

Lemon juice to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. Chickpeas to be cooked to perfection with water and a pinch of salt. 

  2. Agathi leaves to be cooked separately with water (Pressure cooking is better)

  3. Drain the water from agathi leaves, chickpeas and mix them in a bowl with sesame oil. 

  4. Add grated mango ginger, dates, spring onion, pistachios, basil leaves and mix them well. 

  5. Lemon juice and salt is optional. 

Note – Agathi leaves can be substituted to any mixed greens, preferably local wild edible greens. The properties of the meal may change once substituted.

Ramya Murthy