Murungai Keerai Thanni Saaru Recipe – Drumstick Leaves Soup
Murungai Keerai Thanni Saaru, or Drumstick Leaves Soup, is a wholesome and nourishing soup from Tamil Nadu that has a light and aromatic flavor, perfect for a comforting meal. With the goodness of drumstick leaves (Moringa), this dish offers a blend of healthful ingredients that come together in a warm, soothing broth. Ideal for a quick lunch, especially when paired with steamed rice, or enjoyed on its own as a rejuvenating soup, this recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Rice Water | 2 cups |
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) – chopped | 6 |
| Tomato – chopped | 1 |
| Green Chillies – slit | 2 |
| Coconut Milk | 1 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) – crushed | 1 tsp |
| Black Peppercorns – crushed | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt – as required | To taste |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tsp |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70-90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300-350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10-15% DV |
| Calcium | 4-6% DV |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice Water: Begin by adding the rice water to a pan and bring it to a boil. Rice water provides a soft and subtle base for the soup, enhancing its lightness.
-
-
Add Vegetables: Once the rice water has boiled, add the freshly cleaned drumstick leaves (Murungai Keerai), slit green chillies, chopped pearl onions, and chopped tomato to the pan. Stir to mix well.
-
Cook the Leaves: Let the mixture cook over medium flame until the drumstick leaves become tender and soft, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the pan.
-
Prepare Coconut Milk: While the leaves are cooking, extract fresh coconut milk and set it aside. This adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup.
-
Crush Spices: Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush the cumin seeds and black peppercorns. This helps release their essential oils, adding depth and a warm aroma to the soup.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Once the drumstick leaves are fully cooked and softened, add the coconut milk to the pan along with the crushed cumin and black pepper mixture. Add salt to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
-
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): In a small tadka pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. When they sputter, add the curry leaves and dry red chillies. Stir for a few seconds, and then immediately pour this tempering over the soup.
-
Final Mix and Serve: Give the soup a good stir to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Turn off the flame and remove the soup from the heat.
-
Serve Hot: Serve Murungai Keerai Thanni Saaru hot as a nourishing soup to soothe the body, especially for those recovering from a cold. It can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside steamed rice and a side of Cabbage Poriyal with a dollop of ghee for a wholesome and flavorful Sunday lunch.
Tips for Best Results
-
Fresh Drumstick Leaves: For the best flavor and nutritional benefit, use fresh drumstick leaves if available. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals that are perfect for boosting immunity.
-
Rice Water Substitute: If you don’t have rice water, you can use plain water or vegetable stock as a base. However, rice water imparts a unique taste and consistency that enhances the dish.
-
Spice Variations: You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chillies and peppercorns according to your preference.
-
Coconut Milk: Homemade coconut milk is preferred for a rich and fresh flavor. You can check out a simple recipe for homemade coconut milk for an authentic taste.
Variations to Try
-
Add Lentils for Protein: To make the soup more filling, you can add a handful of cooked moong dal (yellow lentils) or toor dal (pigeon peas) to the soup. This will provide additional protein and make the soup heartier.
-
For a Tangy Twist: If you like a tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tamarind paste or fresh lime juice to the soup before serving. It gives the dish a pleasant balance of flavors.
-
Serve with Crusty Bread: While traditionally paired with rice, this soup also goes wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or chapati for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Murungai Keerai Thanni Saaru is a deliciously light and nutritious soup that brings out the best of Tamil Nadu’s flavors and ingredients. With its delicate blend of drumstick leaves, coconut milk, and spices, this soup not only offers comfort but also numerous health benefits, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a light starter, a nutritious remedy for a cold, or a flavorful accompaniment to rice and vegetables, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
