Moringa leaves have achieved super food status, thanks to their amazing health benefits. Did you know that the leaves contain more protein than eggs, more potassium than bananas and more iron than spinach? Well, not only the leaf, but every part of the plant, the pod (drumstick), the flower, the root and even the sap is full of nutrition. No wonder then, it is called a ‘miracle plant’.
Drumsticks
Drumsticks
Interestingly, though moringa is native to India, it is the pods or drumsticks that are mostly used in recipes. Only in the last few years, leaves have become much more popular and are used in dals, curries and so on. Growing up in southern India, I have been eating drumsticks my entire life. In fact, we had a big drumstick plant in our backyard.
Sambar
While I have had drumsticks in various recipes, the one I associate it with most is Sambar. Sambar is a delicious South Indian spicy soup made with lentils and vegetables. . My mom always added drumsticks to sambar. I loved to chew on those pieces and taste the sweet, pulpy seeds. I would make a pile of chewed up drumstick pieces on a plate. My sister and I would compete on who could make a bigger pile, faster!
Drumstick-Moringa Mustard Curry
Because of the dominant mustard flavor, this recipe is called Mulakkada Ava Kura in Telugu language. Ava, or mustard, is what brings the main flavor to this dish. I love the flavors that fresh coconut, and sesame seeds add to this dish, but mustard dominates the flavor. Overall, this is a sweet and spicy curry that is bursting with flavors! Check out our bottle gourd (calabash) curry cooked the same way (called Anapakaya Ava Kura in Telugu) that is as delicious as this drumstick dish.
Drumsticks are known to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, help improve digestion and purify blood. Moringa has gained a reputation for fighting inflammation and combating various effects of malnutrition and aging, earning the nickname “the miracle plant.”
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious veggie curries!:
- Blended Chickpeas & Cluster Bean Curry
- Kala Chana-Spinach Curry
- Bottle Gourd Fenugreek Curry
- Banana Flower Curry
- Banana Stem Curry
- Raw Plantain With Yogurt Curry
- Chana Masala- Spiced Chickpeas Curry
- Green Mung Sprouts Curry
- Baingan Bartha-Roasted Eggplant Curry
- Opo Squash Yellow Mung Curry
Also check out some of our moringa leaf recipes:
- Homemade Moringa-Curry Leaf Spice Powder
- Superfood Moringa Leaf Chutney
- Instant Pot Moringa Leaf Dal
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Drumstick (Moringa) Mustard Curry
Ingredients
- 3/4 Pound Moringa - Drumsticks
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard Seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
- 1 Teaspoon Rice Flour
- 1 Green Chili Pepper - Or to taste
- 1/2 Cup Grated Coconut
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
- 1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Tamarind
- 1/2 Tablespoon Jaggery - or Brown Sugar
For Seasoning:
- 1 Teaspoon Rice Bran Oil
- 1 Dry Red Chili
- 12 Curry Leaves
- 1 Teaspoon Urad Dal
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
Instructions
- Cut drumsticks into 3-4 inch length pieces. Add enough water to cover the fruit pods, and boil for 7-8 minutes. Drain the water out (you can use this water to feed your plants!). Gather ingredients in different bowls (seasoning ingredients include dry red chili, curry leaves, urad dal, cumin and mustard seeds).
- Blend mustard seeds, sesame seeds, rice flour, green chili pepper, fresh coconut, salt, turmeric, tamarind and jaggery to a fine paste. Add a little water while grinding, if needed
- Heat oil in a thick-bottom pan and sauté seasoning ingredients
- Add boiled drumstick and sauté for about 3 minutes
- Add the blended paste to the pan, mix well and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes
