Drumsticks or Murungai or Saijan are a plant native to the Indian subcontinent. The uniqueness of this plant comes from the fact that it grows in tropical to sub-tropical climates and even in dry, arid soil conditions prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa. What's more, is that this plant is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that the human body needs from time to time. It is recommended to add drumsticks to one's diet considering that it has 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges and 15 times the potassium found in bananas. It is also a rich source of iron, calcium, potent antioxidants, and amino acids that help repair and rejuvenate the human body. It has been rightly termed as a 'superfood' given how different parts of the plant like the fruit, the flowers, the seeds, the roots, and even the leaves have inherent properties that can remedy human ailments. It has been widely acknowledged as a cure for anemia, as its iron reserves help alleviate the conditions surrounding the ailment. Moringa extracts and supplements are widely available too but here, we're going to look at 3 dishes involving parts of the moringa plant that is enjoyed in India and the host of health benefits that each dish comes packing.
1. Saijan Ki Phalli Soup
Drumstick fruits chopped into small pieces is sauteed with butter, onions, and potatoes in a pressure cooker and then water is added and pressure cooked till completion. Upon opening the pressure cooker lid, add milk, check for seasoning and then blend the mixture and strain it to have homemade drumstick soup. This soup contributes to regulating blood sugar levels, reducing bad cholesterol, and improving heart health.
2. Murungai Poo Poriyal
A South Indian dish involving Moringa flowers, this quick and easy stir-fry recipe is perfect for workweek lunches. Washed and cleaned moringa flowers are sauteed with cumin and mustard seeds, along with chopped onions, tomatoes and green chillies. When nearing completion, a couple of eggs are cracked open over the dish and scrambled with the morning flowers and spices to add that extra layer of richness to the dish. Moringa flowers are filled with Vitamin A which improves eyesight and immunity, and calcium which strengthens the bones in our body. It is also a powerhouse of potassium, iron and some essential amino acids.
3. Moringa Leaf Stir-fry
Moringa leaves are worthy to be a daily addition to our diets considering the fact that in terms of nutritional value it surpasses carrots, oranges, and even milk. It is rich in Vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants and 18 amino acids essential for the overall functioning of the body. Moringa leaves can be stir-fried and had as greens along with other vegetables. Dry-roasted peanuts, cumin seeds and dry red chillies are blended into a fine paste and added to a pan with moringa leaves and water to create an oil-free dry curry fit for those weight-watchers.