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Mula ko Thebe Achaar, also known as smashed radish pickle-salad, is a beloved and essential part of Nepalese cuisine.

This simple yet flavorful dish holds a special place in Nepali food culture, offering various ways to prepare it—ranging from freshly made salads to cooked pickles and fermented variations.

To make this delightful dish, you'll need,

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized radish
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes (or a few cherry tomatoes)
• 1 small onion
• 2 green chilies
• ? tsp cumin seeds
• ? tsp Szechuan pepper (Timur)
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tbsp roasted mustard oil
• Lemon or lime
• Salt

Method:

• Begin by thoroughly washing the radish with clean water. It's important to note that you should not peel off the skin, as that's where the sharp, pungent, and peppery flavors reside, along with the crisp and crunchy texture.
• Cut the radish into large, chunky wedges.
• In a small pan, lightly roast the cumin seeds and Szechuan pepper until they release their aromatic fragrance.
• Transfer the roasted spices into a mortar (or Silouto) and add salt (to your taste) and turmeric powder. Grind them together using a pestle. Then, add green chilies and garlic, and grind them into the mixture.
• Add the radish wedges into the mortar and gently smash them with the pestle until they shred. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and slice the onion, then add them to the mortar and gently combine with the smashed radish.
• Squeeze half a lemon or lime's juice into the mixture and add a tablespoon of roasted mustard oil. Mix them together using a spoon, and before serving, sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves on top for added flavor.

This Mula ko Thebe Achaar is a fresh and simple dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its vibrant flavors. It can be enjoyed as a starter or as a side dish with Roti and Nepali Khana set (Daal-Bhaat-Tarkari).

This traditional Nepalese recipe holds a nostalgic essence for many, evoking memories of enjoying it in different settings, such as lunches and dinners, or even as a snack with Sukka Chapati Roti. Its preparation involves smashing radish with spices in a Silauto (Mortar and Pestle), resulting in a dish that makes the tongue dance with its delicious flavors.

In summary, this Mula ko Thepe Achaar embodies the simplicity and richness of Nepali cuisine, offering a delightful addition to meals, whether as a flavorful accompaniment or a standalone dish.