The Drumstick Poriyal Recipe is a delectable, easy-to-make, and nutritious dish hailing from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This recipe transforms the humble drumstick leaves into an aromatic and flavourful stir-fry, marrying the goodness of these leaves with a variety of spices. This dish is a wonderful blend of health and taste, making it a must-try for all food enthusiasts.
The main ingredient of this dish, drumstick leaves (Murungai leaves), may not be a common item in everyone's kitchen. However, these leaves are packed with nutrients and are available at most Indian grocery stores or supermarkets. They are also known as Moringa leaves and are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Similarly, thai chillies and curry leaves are commonly available in Asian grocery stores. If not found, green chillies can be substituted for thai chillies.
Ingredients for the Drumstick Poriyal Recipe
Murungai leaves: These leaves are the star of the dish. They are known for their rich nutritional profile.
Oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.
Mustard seeds: Adds a beautiful aroma and crunch to the dish.
Garlic: Provides a distinct flavor which enhances the taste.
Thai chillies: These add the necessary heat to the dish. They can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Turmeric powder: Adds a vibrant colour and numerous health benefits.
Curry leaves: They give a unique and authentic South Indian flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of other ingredients.
Shallots: These add a mild and sweet flavor to the dish.
Water: Required to cook the leaves.
One reader, Hobard Johnston says:
This drumstick poriyal recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the dish is packed with nutrients. It's a delightful way to enjoy drumstick leaves. The combination of spices and the hint of coconut make it a perfect side dish. I highly recommend trying it!
Mastering the Techniques for Drumstick Poriyal
How to sauté the ingredients: Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
How to cook the murungai leaves: Add the murungai leaves to the sautéed ingredients and stir for a few minutes until they are slightly softened.
How to add the spices and water: Once the murungai leaves have softened slightly, add the turmeric, salt, and Thai chilies. Then, pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
How to simmer the poriyal: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook with a lid on until the flavors are well combined and the dish is cooked to your liking.
How to serve: Optionally, if desired, add ¼ cup of unsweetened grated coconut to the poriyal. Serve the drumstick poriyal alongside steamed basmati or jasmine white rice and ghee for a delicious meal.
How To Make Murungai Poriyal
For this healthy poriyal dish, the Moringa leaves provide a nice green color and an earthy, slightly bitter taste that go well with mustard seeds and chili.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsmurungai leaves,drumstick vegetable
- 1tbspoil
- 1tspmustard seeds,black
- 4pcsgarlic,crushed
- 2Thai chilis,chopped
- 1tspturmeric powder
- curry leaf
- 1tspsalt
- 5shallots,sliced
- ½cupwater
Instructions
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Add oil to a pan.
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Add mustard, curry leaves, onion, garlic and sauté.
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Add the murungai leaves and stir for a few minutes.
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One softened slightly, add turmeric, salt and chillies. Add water.
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Upon boiling of the mixture, reduce to a simmer and cook with a lid on.
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*Note: If desired, add ¼ cup unsweetened grated coconut.
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Serve alongside steamed basmati or jasmine white rice and ghee.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 254.08kcal
- Fat: 7.89g
- Saturated Fat: 0.65g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.29g
- Carbohydrates: 43.01g
- Fiber: 6.64g
- Sugar: 12.46g
- Protein: 7.32g
- Sodium: 631.25mg
- Calcium: 156.41mg
- Potassium: 747.71mg
- Iron: 3.92mg
- Vitamin A: 5.42µg
- Vitamin C: 30.00mg
Elevate Your Drumstick Poriyal with This Technique Tip
When sautéing the mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, and garlic, make sure to do so on medium heat. This will allow the flavors to release slowly and infuse the oil, creating a more flavorful base for your drumstick poriyal. Also, when adding the murungai leaves, ensure they are thoroughly washed and pat dry to avoid any excess water in the pan which could dilute the flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Drumstick Poriyal
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal prep.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Quick cooking methods: Choose recipes that involve fast cooking techniques such as stir-frying or grilling.
Multi-task: Plan tasks strategically to simultaneously prepare different components of the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Murungai Poriyal Recipe
murungai leaves - Substitute with spinach leaves: Spinach leaves can be used as a substitute for murungai leaves in this recipe as they provide a similar earthy and slightly bitter flavor, and they also offer a good amount of nutrients.
mustard seeds - Substitute with cumin seeds: Cumin seeds can be used as a substitute for mustard seeds to provide a warm and slightly nutty flavor, adding depth to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic to provide a milder, sweeter flavor while still adding aromatic depth to the dish.
thai chilis - Substitute with serrano chilis: Serrano chilis can be used as a substitute for Thai chilis to provide a similar level of heat and a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
turmeric powder - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder can be used as a substitute for turmeric powder to provide a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of spice, adding complexity to the dish.
curry leaf - Substitute with bay leaf: Bay leaf can be used as a substitute for curry leaf to provide a subtle, aromatic flavor and fragrance to the dish.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots to provide a slightly stronger, more pungent flavor while still adding a sweet and savory element to the dish.
Presenting Drumstick Poriyal: Tips for an Appealing Dish
Elevate the plating: Arrange the drumstick poriyal in a visually appealing manner, using edible flowers and microgreens to add color and texture to the dish.
Incorporate artistic elements: Use fine dining plating techniques to create a visually stunning presentation, such as using tweezers to delicately position the murungai leaves and shallots on the plate.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the drumstick poriyal to stand out and capture the attention of the diners.
Highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients: Showcase the vibrant green hues of the murungai leaves and the aromatic appeal of the garlic and shallots to emphasize the freshness and quality of the dish.
Create a harmonious composition: Strive to achieve a balanced and visually appealing arrangement of the drumstick poriyal, incorporating elements of symmetry and contrast to captivate the senses.
Emphasize elegance and sophistication: Aim to present the drumstick poriyal in a refined and elegant manner, reflecting the sophistication and artistry of the culinary creation.
Showcase culinary expertise: Demonstrate precision and skill in the plating process, showcasing the mastery of culinary techniques and attention to presentation.
Storing and Freezing Drumstick Poriyal for Later
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for drumstick poriyal:
- Allow the drumstick poriyal to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled poriyal to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- If storing in the refrigerator, the poriyal will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the container sealed tightly to prevent the poriyal from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
- To freeze the drumstick poriyal, transfer the cooled poriyal to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and the contents for easy identification.
- When stored properly in the freezer, the poriyal can last for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
- To reheat the frozen drumstick poriyal, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Transfer the thawed poriyal to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat the poriyal in a pan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
- If the reheated poriyal appears dry or lacks moisture, you can add a splash of water or coconut milk to help revive its texture and flavor.
Reheating Leftover Drumstick Poriyal
Reheat the leftover drumstick poriyal in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and convenient, but may result in slightly softer murungai leaves.
For a crispier texture, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover poriyal and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy. This method will help restore some of the original texture of the dish.
If you have a steamer, you can also reheat the drumstick poriyal by placing it in a heat-safe dish and steaming for 3-4 minutes. This gentle reheating method will help preserve the flavor and texture of the murungai leaves.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover poriyal into a delicious omelette. Beat 2-3 eggs in a bowl, add the leftover poriyal, and mix well. Heat a small amount of oil or ghee in a pan, pour in the egg mixture, and cook until set. This is a great way to enjoy your leftovers in a new and exciting way.
If you have access to a clay pot or earthen pot, reheat your leftover drumstick poriyal in it over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gentle heat from the clay pot will help infuse the dish with a subtle earthy flavor and maintain its original texture.
Interesting Trivia About Drumstick Poriyal
Drumstick poriyal is a traditional South Indian dish made with drumstick leaves. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it a popular choice for a healthy meal.
Budget-Friendly Drumstick Poriyal for Home Cooking
This drumstick poriyal recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, murungai leaves, is easily accessible and affordable. The addition of shallots, garlic, and turmeric powder enhances the flavor without adding significant cost. The dish can be served with economical options like steamed rice and ghee. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8.
Is Drumstick Poriyal Healthy or Unhealthy?
The drumstick poriyal recipe is a healthy dish that incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients. Murungai leaves, also known as moringa leaves, are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium. The use of turmeric powder adds anti-inflammatory properties to the dish. Additionally, the recipe uses minimal oil and relies on healthy cooking methods like sautéing and simmering.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of murungai leaves to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Add other nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish
- Replace the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Use coconut oil instead of regular oil for its medium-chain triglycerides and beneficial fatty acids
- Incorporate more herbs and spices like ginger, cumin, or coriander for added flavor and potential health benefits
- Serve the poriyal with a side of protein-rich lentils or legumes to create a well-balanced meal
Editor's Take on the Delightful Drumstick Poriyal
This drumstick poriyal recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the earthy and nutty flavors of murungai leaves. The combination of mustard seeds, garlic, and turmeric creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of shallots and Thai chilis adds a delightful kick of heat. The use of fresh curry leaves infuses the dish with a fragrant and citrusy note. The optional addition of unsweetened grated coconut would further enhance the dish with a creamy and nutty undertone. This poriyal is a perfect accompaniment to steamed basmati or jasmine white rice, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Enhance Your Murungai Poriyal Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Discover Tasty Alternatives to Drumstick Poriyal
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Why trust this Murungai Poriyal Recipe:
This recipe for drumstick poriyal is a traditional South Indian dish that has been passed down through generations. The use of fresh murungai leaves adds a unique and authentic flavor to the dish. The combination of mustard seeds, garlic, and curry leaves creates a fragrant and aromatic base. The addition of turmeric powder not only adds a vibrant color but also provides numerous health benefits. The use of shallots and Thai chilis adds a depth of flavor and a touch of heat. This recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of South India.
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