Murungai keerai is one variety of greens(keerai in tamil) which is very popular in Tamilnadu. These drumstick leaves are very healthy and known for their medicinal values. They are packed with calcium, which is essential for growing kids. These leaves are especially very good for pregnant women and lactating mothers. These leaves are not frequently found in the Indian Bazaar in U.S. When I found these, I remembered my mom's recipe and tried it. This is my favorite keerai after all, so prepared it as poriyal. It tastes good when mixed with hot rice and a tablespoon of ghee.
Ingredients :
Drumstick leaves - 3 cups
Onion - 1 medium
Red Chillies - 2 numbers
Mustard - 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Urad dal - 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves - 2 or 3 pods
Asafoetida - 1 pinch
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Dry coconut flakes - 2 tablespoon
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Method :
To prepare this keerai, remove the leaves from the stalk and discard all the stalks. This can be slightly time consuming, but I think its worth it. Wash the leaves and keep it aside.
Heat a wide pan and add oil. Once the oil is warm, add mustard seed and let it splutter. Now add cumin seeds, urad dal and red chillies and fry them for a minute. Add Onion,garlic cloves,turmeric powder and asafoetida. Saute them till the onions are slightly translucent.
Now add the drumstick leaves, sprinkle some water and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for just five minutes and open the lid. Wait for all the water to evaporate. Just add the dry coconut flakes at this stage and mix it thoroughly. Switch off the flame. Healthy Murungai keerai poriyal is ready to serve.
Nutritional Benefits :
- Drumstick leaves are rich in iron and Vitamin C.
- They are a good source of calcium and carotene.
- It is high in protein and potassium too.
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