Corn and Moringa Salad with Spices – Healthy Indian Side Dish

Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad Recipe: A Delightful Indian Side Dish

Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad, a quick and nutritious Indian side dish, combines the subtle sweetness of corn kernels with the earthy flavors of drumstick leaves, also known as Moringa or Murungai Keerai. This vibrant and healthy salad is rich in nutrients and makes for an excellent accompaniment to your weekday lunch. With just a few common spices and ingredients, it’s simple yet full of flavor. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful salad in no time!

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Cuisine

Diet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Begin by thoroughly washing the Del Monte whole corn kernels and cleaning the drumstick leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai). This step ensures that your salad is free from any dirt or debris.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Vegan Besan Burji (Chickpea Flour Scramble) – Healthy Indian Breakfast
   • 
     Savory Barnyard Millet Bisi Bele Bath: A Wholesome South Indian Delight
   • 
     Bengali Poppy Seed Chicken Curry: Flavorful Posto Chicken Recipe
   • 
     Goan Prawns Balchao (Spicy Tamarind Prawns Pickle)

2. Heat the Oil
   In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil over medium flame. Allow the oil to warm up before moving on to the next step.

3. Temper the Spices
   Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds. Lower the flame to medium-low and wait for the mustard seeds to splutter, releasing their aroma into the oil.

4. Sauté the Corn
   Add the corn kernels to the pan and sauté them for about 2 minutes, allowing them to mix with the tempered spices. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the corn.

5. Add the Spices
   Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Stir well so that the corn kernels are evenly coated with the spices.

6. Incorporate the Drumstick Leaves
   Add the cleaned drumstick leaves to the pan and sauté for a few more minutes. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the drumstick leaves combine well with the corn and spices.

7. Add Jaggery and Adjust Flavors
   Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of jaggery powder and stir. The jaggery will balance the spices, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish. Taste the mixture and adjust salt as needed.

8. Simmer
   Add 1/4 cup of water and allow the ingredients to simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally, and cook until the drumstick leaves have shrunk and the corn kernels are soft.

9. Final Touch
   Once the drumstick leaves are tender and the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat.

10. Serve and Enjoy
    Your Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad is now ready to serve! Pair it with a bowl of Rasam, a side of Cabbage Poriyal, and steamed rice for a healthy and wholesome lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Nutrient-Rich: Drumstick leaves are known for their high nutritional value, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help improve overall health. Combined with corn, this salad offers a great mix of fiber and essential nutrients.

• Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this delicious side dish in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

• Versatile: This salad complements a wide variety of Indian dishes, from curries to rice, making it a great addition to any meal.

• Naturally Sweet: The addition of jaggery provides a natural sweetness that balances the spices and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete and satisfying meal, serve the Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad with:

• Rasam: A tangy South Indian soup made with tamarind and spices.
• Cabbage Poriyal: A simple yet flavorful cabbage stir-fry made with mustard seeds and coconut.
• Rice: Steamed white rice or any variety of your choice to complete the meal.

This combination offers a well-rounded, healthy, and delicious lunch, rich in flavors and textures.

Enjoy this easy-to-make and highly nutritious Indian side dish, and let it bring a burst of flavors to your next meal!