Indian cuisine uses a lot of veggies, such as spinach, fenugreek, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, and more. Some common vegetables are used extensively in Indian kitchens but many lesser-known veggies in India deserve our attention and ganth gobhi is one of them.
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It is a wonderful veggie that packs a lot of flavour and also boasts some great health benefits that will tempt you to include this vegetable in your diet. It is also known as kohlrabi, and while it is not a common grocery pick for most, it is highly popular in Kashmiri cuisine.
In this article, we will look at what exactly a kohlrabi or ganth gobhi is and also discuss the amazing health benefits that the vegetable provides. Keep reading to learn more.
Ganth gobhi or kohlrabi, also known as kohlrabi or German turnip, is a vegetable from the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea) that has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health advantages. Kohlrabi is a cultivar of the same species from which cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and other vegetables are grown. Kohlrabi is not a root vegetable and is not related to turnips, despite its pale green, round, blub-like look.
4 Health Benefits Of Ganth Gobhi
Boosts Immunity
According to Healthline, ganth gobhi is loaded with nutrients and these nutrients help support a healthy immune system in your body. The vegetable is rich in vitamin B6, which is significantly crucial for many operations in the body.
It is necessary for protein metabolism, RBC development, and optimum immune function. Not only that but it is also packed with vitamin C, which is required for healthy WBC function and strengthens the immune system.
Loaded With Antioxidants
The vegetable, along with enhancing your immunity, is also a great source of many powerful antioxidants. These compounds are crucial and perform the important task of safeguarding your body against free radical damage, ultimately defending against and preventing the risk of cancer and other diseases, as per WebMD.
Aids Digestive Health
Ganth gobhi is also a great way to enhance your digestive health since it is a wonderful source of both types of fibre—insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre is a type of fibre that isn't broken down by your intestine, which aids in providing bulk to your stool and promoting bowel movements in your gut, whereas soluble fibre is the kind that assists in regulating cholesterol levels and maintaining optimum blood sugar levels, as per Healthline.
Promotes Weight Loss
Since ganth gobhi is loaded with fibre, it also aids in weight loss. Not only that, the veggie is also low on calories and one serving of kohlrabi only gives 36 grams of calories along with 5 grams of fibre. Due to the amount of fibre present, it helps you stay satisfied for longer and helps you avoid overeating, as per WebMD.
How To Eat Ganth Gobi?
Ganth gobhi is quite versatile and can be eaten raw, roasted, or sautéed. Uncooked stems, which are bulbous in shape and texture and taste sweeter than broccoli, are frequently used in salads. Kohlrabi leaves are edible and can be substituted for other green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
In the Middle East, it is served as an appetiser with salt and lemon juice. The best thing about this vegetable is that it keeps its crunch and freshness. Monji Haakh is made with Ganth Gobhi and eaten with soup and rice in Kashmiri cuisine.
Down south, kohlrabi is used in the making of mixed vegetable kootu, curries, pulao, and poriyal with loads of grated coconut. It is also used to prepare Indian dal, fritters, and curries, both dry and with gravy, at times paired with chickpeas and potatoes.