Thaaté thoppu Palya

Stir fried Cassia tora (Senna tora)

Pick tender leaves and shoots (flowers too) from plants growing away from polluted areas.

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2-3 green chillis, slit
• •or
• •2-3 dry red chillis, broken into large bits
• 4 cups packed Cassia tora leaves and tender shoots (chop finely for a more intense flavour)
• 2 tbsp grated coconut (optional)
• A pinch of rock salt

Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onions for a couple of minutes, then add the chillis. Cook for a minute, then add the thaaté thoppu. Stir to mix, cover, and cook on a low flame until the leaves are tender. Add salt to taste and sprinkle on fresh coconut if using.

Eat in moderation – it does have a mildly laxative effect!