Moringa, an Indian super vegetable…
Moringa is a popular vegetable in South India, that’s consumed for its medicinal properties. Moringa has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest that Moringa extracts may help lower blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and support overall well-being.
The leaves, the moringa stick & the flowers are edible & a variety of dishes can be prepared. Drumstick or moringa sticks are added to fish & vegetable curries, stir-fried with coconut.
In North America, frozen moringa sticks are available in Indian stores. One of the dishes that I often make with moringa is Kerala-style stir fry with coconut, a very simple yet nutritious & delicious dish.
This is served as a side dish along with rice or chapati.
- Coconut oil- 1½ tbsp
- Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
- Dried red chilies, halved- 2
- Curry leaves- 10 leaves
- Shallots, chopped- 3 large shallots or 6 small/pearl onions
- Salt- 1 tsp
- Moringa sticks or drumsticks- 20, cut into 3-inch slice
- Grated coconut- ½ cup
- Chili powder- ½ to 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder- ⅛ tsp
- I cooked this in a clay pan. Or use a regular saucepan.
- if using frozen moringa sticks, take them in a strainer & rinse in water.
- If using fresh moringa, cut into 3-inch slices long.
- Place a clay pan over medium heat, add oil let turn hot.
- Add mustard seeds, let splutter.
- Add dried red chilies & curry leaves, saute for a few seconds.
- Add chopped shallots, season with ½ tsp salt (Or add 6 chopped small or pearl onions).
- Saute till shallots turn golden in color.
- Add moringa or drumsticks, combine well.
- Add ¼ cup water & cook covered till moringa turns soft. Don't overcook them.
- Add grated coconut, combine well.
- Add chili powder, turmeric powder & ½ tsp salt, combine well.
- Stir fry over high heat till coconut turns golden brown in color.
- Take the pan off the heat & keep it covered.
- Enjoy as a side dish along with rice or chapati.
