Recipe Name: Muringakka Manga Mulakushyam – Mango & Drumstick Kootu Curry
Introduction
Muringakka Manga Mulakushyam, also known as Mango & Drumstick Kootu Curry, is a delightful, tangy, and subtly spiced vegetarian dish from the heart of Kerala cuisine. This comforting curry combines the unique flavors of raw mango, drumstick (moringa), and split pigeon peas (toor dal) with a rich coconut-cumin paste, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and nourishing. It’s typically enjoyed with a serving of steamed rice and is a staple in Kerala households for a wholesome lunch. The mild spiciness, balanced by the tartness of the mango and creamy coconut, makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumstick (Moringa) | 1 (cut into 1.5-inch pieces) |
| Raw Mango | 1 (peeled & cut into bite-sized pieces) |
| Green Chili | 1 |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water for Cooking Dal | 2 cups |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilies for Paste | 2 |
| Water for Grinding | 2-1/2 tablespoons |
| Coconut Oil | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | Varies (based on salt added) |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
Instructions
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
-
Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed. Soak the arhar dal (toor dal) in water for 30 minutes. This helps reduce the cooking time and ensures the dal cooks evenly.
-
Cook the Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, drumstick pieces, raw mango chunks, 2 cups of water, salt, and turmeric powder. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Make the Coconut Paste: In a blender, add the grated coconut, green chilies, cumin seeds, and 2-1/2 tablespoons of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This paste will add a creamy texture and flavor to the curry.
-
Combine Ingredients: Open the pressure cooker and add the coconut paste to the cooked dal, mango, and drumstick mixture. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
-
Simmer the Curry: Place the cooker or pot on a low flame and let the curry simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed, to achieve a slightly thick but pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
-
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): In a small tadka pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then, add the urad dal, dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until the red chilies turn bright and the curry leaves are fragrant.
-
Add the Tadka: Pour the tadka (tempering) over the curry. Stir gently to mix, ensuring the fragrant oil infuses into the curry.
-
Serve: Serve Muringakka Manga Mulakushyam warm, ideally with a side of Dondakaya/Kovakkai Poriyal (Ivy Gourd Stir-Fry) and Jowar Roti (Sorghum Flatbread) or simply with steamed rice.
Cooking Tips
-
Adjust the Mango Quantity: The raw mango imparts a unique tanginess to the curry. If you prefer a stronger tangy flavor, add more mango. Conversely, reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.
-
Toor Dal: Soaking the toor dal for at least 30 minutes helps it cook faster and results in a creamy texture, ideal for curries.
-
Coconut Paste Consistency: Ensure the coconut paste is smooth to avoid a gritty texture in the curry. Adding water gradually while grinding helps achieve a fine paste.
-
Serving Suggestion: This curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or traditional Kerala accompaniments like Jowar Roti and other vegetable stir-fries.
Notes
Muringakka Manga Mulakushyam is a beautiful way to incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients into your meals. It is not only a dish rich in traditional flavors but also a nutritious addition to a vegetarian meal plan. Enjoy this comforting Kerala delicacy that brings the warmth and zest of mangoes and drumsticks straight to your table.
