Arai Keerai Masiyal Recipe | Keerai Kadayal | Healthy South Indian Greens

Hello Friends,

Today, I am happy to share a simple and healthy Keerai Masiyal Recipe made with fresh Arai Keerai. Greens are an important part of a balanced diet and are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Including keerai regularly in our meals is a great way to enjoy healthy and nutritious food.

Keerai Masiyal, also known as Keerai Kadayal, is a traditional South Indian dish that can be prepared using different varieties of greens such as Siru Keerai, Mulai Keerai, Arai Keerai, and Pasalai Keerai. Today, I am sharing my easy version made with Arai Keerai.

This recipe does not require dal or tamarind. With just onion, tomato, green chillies, and fresh greens, you can prepare a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and a spoonful of ghee.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and nutritious
• Easy to prepare
• Made with simple ingredients
• No dal or tamarind required
• Perfect with hot steamed rice

Watch the step-by-step video recipe here:

How to Make Keerai Masiyal

Step 1: Clean the Keerai

Pluck the fresh leaves from the bunch. If the stems are tender, they can also be used. Discard only the roots and wash the keerai thoroughly in water to remove any dirt.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Take a saucepan and add a little water. Once the water starts boiling, add the sliced onion, tomato, and green chillies. Cook for a few minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Cook the Greens

Add the cleaned arai keerai and cook until the leaves wilt completely. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Save the Nutritious Stock

Remove from heat and strain the excess water. Do not discard this nutritious liquid. Add a pinch of salt and enjoy it as a light and healthy soup.

Step 5: Blend the Mixture

Allow the cooked ingredients to cool to room temperature. Transfer the keerai, onion, tomato, and green chillies to a blender. Add salt and grind into a smooth paste.

Step 6: Prepare the Tempering

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add urad dal and dried red chillies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Pour the tempering over the prepared keerai masiyal and mix well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Keerai Masiyal hot with steamed rice and a spoonful of ghee. It also pairs wonderfully with rasam, sambar, appalam, or any South Indian vegetable side dish.

Health Benefits of Arai Keerai

• Rich in iron and calcium
• Good source of dietary fiber
• Supports healthy digestion
• Contains vitamins A and C
• Helps support overall immunity

Final Thoughts

This traditional Arai Keerai Masiyal is a simple, wholesome, and comforting South Indian recipe. If you try this recipe, do share your feedback in the comments below. 

Happy cooking!

The detailed recipe card with ingredients and measurements is given below.

KEERAI MASIYAL | KEERAI KADAYAL

Author : Aruna Manikandan

Recipe Cuisine:  Indian
Recipe Category: Lunch
Preparation Time: 15 mins.
Cooking time: 25 mins 
Total time:40 minutes
Servings: 4

Keerai Masiyal (Keerai Kadayal) is a simple and healthy South Indian recipe made with fresh arai keerai, onion, tomato, and green chillies. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and ghee.

Ingredients

• 1 Bunch of arai keerai
• 1 onion - sliced
• 1 tomato - sliced
• 2 green chilies - slit lengthwise
• Salt to taste

Seasoning

• 1 tsp. of mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp .of urad dal 
• 2 - 3 dried red chillies
• 1 tbsp. of oil

Instructions

1. Wash and clean the arai keerai thoroughly.
2. Boil a little water and cook the onion, tomato, and green chillies for a few minutes.
3. Add the keerai and cook until wilted (10–15 minutes).
4. Strain and reserve the cooking water.
5. Blend the cooked ingredients with salt into a smooth paste.
6. Prepare the tempering with mustard seeds, urad dal, and red chillies.
7. Pour the tempering over the keerai masiyal and serve hot.