Radish greens, often discarded without a second thought, are an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate a simple meal into something special. These vibrant, leafy tops are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them a powerhouse addition to your kitchen. While radishes themselves are beloved for their crisp texture and peppery bite, the leaves often go unnoticed despite their unique flavour and myriad uses.
Beyond their taste and versatility, radish greens are a fantastic way to reduce food waste and make the most of every part of your produce. Often overlooked, these greens are just as deserving of attention as their crunchy roots. By incorporating radish greens into your dinner routine, you’re not only nourishing your body with essential nutrients, but you’re also contributing to a more sustainable kitchen by using every bit of the radish plant.
Radish Green Pesto
With a fresh, peppery flavour, it brings a unique twist to traditional pesto. The leaves blend seamlessly with garlic, nuts (like walnuts or almonds), Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a creamy yet slightly coarse texture. The result is a zesty, earthy pesto that’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on toast, or using as a dip. This dish highlights the freshness of radish greens, making it both a healthy and flavourful alternative to classic pesto recipes.
Radish Green Curry
The radish leaves are sautéed and simmered in a blend of spices, offering a unique earthy taste. The curry has a slightly bitter undertone from the leaves, balanced with the richness of coconut milk or yoghurt. Aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and mustard seeds bring depth to the dish, while a hint of garlic and ginger adds a fragrant kick. The texture is tender, with the greens melding into a creamy sauce, making it an ideal accompaniment to steamed rice or flatbreads.
Radish Leaf Soup
This flavourful soup blends fresh radish leaves with a mild, earthy taste. The leaves are sautéed with onions, garlic, and a hint of ginger, enhancing the depth of flavour. A splash of lemon juice adds a tangy brightness, while vegetable broth ties everything together. The texture is smooth and comforting, with a slight chew from the radish greens. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish offers a healthy and warming choice that’s both satisfying and full of antioxidants, perfect for a quick dinner.
Radish Green Dal
Made with radish leaves, lentils, and a blend of spices, it offers a delightful balance of earthy and spicy flavours. The tender radish greens add a mild, peppery taste that complements the creamy texture of cooked dal. To make this dish, you'll need yellow lentils (moong dal or toor dal), radish leaves, onions, garlic, cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chilli powder. The spices infuse the dal with a rich, comforting aroma. This nutritious dish pairs wonderfully with roti or steamed rice.
Radish Leaf Salad
Radish Leaf Salad is a refreshing and healthy dinner option that’s both easy to make and full of flavour. The peppery taste of radish leaves pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes. A simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt enhances the natural flavours. Add some toasted nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch and protein. This salad is light yet satisfying, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.