Mudakathan (balloon vine)

Cardiospermum halicacabum

leaf

Leaves of a vine, ground into dosa batter (mudakathan dosa) or chutney, in Tamil Nadu.

Origin

Tropical regions of Asia and Africa

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The leaves are washed and ground raw into dosa batter, which is then cooked on the griddle, or sautéed before being blended into chutney.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its fruits, puffed up like little balloons, earn it the name heart pea: each seed bears a white heart-shaped spot.