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Autumn is a season when the air gets cooler, leaves start falling, and people often look for warm, comforting foods. During this time, meals, especially lunch, are expected to be both healthy and filling, helping people stay energised throughout the day.
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Moringa, often called the "miracle tree," is perfectly suited for autumn meals with its numerous health benefits. From its flowers to the stems and leaves, moringa is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for the changing season. In this article, let’s explore some delightful moringa-based dishes that can brighten up your autumn lunchtime.
Sangacho Ross
Sangacho ross is a comforting curry from the Goan cuisine, known for its hearty and rich flavour. The dish uses drumsticks (moringa pods) and dal as the base, combined with freshly grated coconut for a creamy texture. Kokum is traditionally used to add a sour tang, though tamarind can be substituted if kokum isn’t available. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your autumn lunch menu.
Murungai Poo Poriyal
Murungai poo poriyal is a simple South Indian stir-fry made with fresh moringa flowers. Lightly cooked with lentils and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, this dish is often served with steamed rice or chapati. Moringa flowers are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and this recipe allows you to enjoy their delicate flavour while reaping the health benefits. It’s a great side dish that adds variety to your meals.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Mulakkada Curry
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, mulakkada curry is a bold, spicy dish featuring drumsticks. This curry stands out because of its use of peanuts, sesame seeds, and dry coconut, which add a deep, nutty flavour and creamy texture to the curry. The drumsticks absorb the rich masala, creating a flavourful bite that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. The combination of these ingredients makes it a protein-rich dish, perfect for lunch during cooler autumn days.
Shevga Bhaji
Shevga bhaji, also known as shevgyachya shengachi bhaji, is a popular Maharashtrian drumstick curry. The recipe is simple yet wholesome, with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of traditional Indian spices. This dish is often prepared in homes as a comforting lunch option and pairs well with both rice and flatbreads. The use of drumsticks adds a nutritious boost to this easy-to-make curry.
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Shukto
Shukto is a classic Bengali dish that often includes a variety of vegetables, with drumsticks being a key ingredient. Bitter gourd, eggplant, and green banana are some of the other vegetables typically used. The dish has a slightly bitter yet complex flavour, thanks to the use of randhuni spice, which is unique to Bengali cuisine. Shukto is usually eaten at the beginning of a meal, making it a wholesome, nutritious option for autumn lunches.
Moringa Paratha
For those looking for a nutrient-packed flatbread, moringa paratha is an excellent choice. Finely chopped moringa leaves are mixed with whole wheat flour, ajwain (carom seeds), red chilli powder, and garam masala to create a soft dough. This dough is then rolled out and cooked on a hot tawa (griddle) to make delicious parathas. Moringa leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, making this dish especially suitable for children and anyone looking for a healthful lunch.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Saragva Nu Shaak
Saragva nu shaak is a flavourful Gujarati dish that showcases drumsticks in a thick, spicy gravy. The dish gets its creamy consistency from a masala paste made of peanuts, gram flour, and sesame seeds. The slightly spicy and tangy flavour makes it a great side dish with rice or roti. Drumsticks are known for their healthy nutrient content, making this a nutrient-rich choice for autumn lunches.
Sojne Fuler Bhaja
Sojne fuler bhaja is a quick and easy Bengali dish made with moringa flowers. The flowers are lightly coated with gram flour and shallow-fried until crispy. This dish is simple to prepare but offers a healthy, crunchy side that can be served with rice or enjoyed as a snack. Moringa flowers are high in nutrients, and this recipe allows you to incorporate them into your diet in a fun and tasty way.
