Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora Recipe (Moringa Kadhi Pakora)
Experience the delightful flavors of North Indian cuisine with this hearty and aromatic Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora, a delicious and nutritious dish made from the superfood moringa. The crisp, golden drumstick leaves pakoras are soaked in a rich, creamy kadhi, offering a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe makes for a perfect lunch, and when paired with green moong dal khichdi, it makes for an unforgettable weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
For the Moringa Pakoras (Drumstick Leaves Fritters):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa / Murungai Keerai) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3/4 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt or Baking Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
For the Kadhi (Yogurt-Based Gravy):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Red Chilli | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2 inches |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Moringa Pakoras (Drumstick Leaves Fritters)
To begin, wash the drumstick leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Once washed, chop the leaves finely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, enos fruit salt (or baking powder), ajwain (carom seeds), asafoetida (hing), and salt. Add the chopped drumstick leaves to the bowl.
Next, gradually add water, a few drops at a time, mixing well to form a batter. The batter should not be too runny nor too thickβit should have a consistency that allows you to form small balls. Divide the mixture into 8-10 small balls or pakoras.
Heat sunflower oil in a paniyaram (appe) pan. Once the oil is hot, drop the pakora balls into the cavities and fry them, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Once done, set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Kadhi (Yogurt-Based Gravy)
For the kadhi, start by adding the curd (yogurt), gram flour, turmeric powder, and salt to a saucepan. Add about 2 cups of water and whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Turn the heat to medium-high and continue to whisk the kadhi to prevent any lumps from forming.
As the kadhi begins to thicken, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
While the kadhi is simmering, heat ghee in a tadka pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the fresh red chilli, cinnamon stick, and curry leaves. Allow the spices to crackle and release their aroma.
Step 4: Final Assembly
Once the kadhi has thickened, pour the hot tempering mixture into the simmering kadhi. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors. Gently add the moringa pakoras to the kadhi and allow them to soak for a couple of minutes, so they absorb the delicious flavors of the kadhi.
Give the dish a final boil and turn off the heat. Taste the kadhi and adjust the salt and spices if necessary.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with green moong dal khichdi, or your choice of steamed rice or roti, for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for a Perfect Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora:
- Crisp Pakoras: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the pakoras. This ensures they become crispy and golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
- Yogurt Consistency: For the kadhi, use fresh, smooth yogurt. If the yogurt is too thick, you can add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of red chilli powder and other spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
- Soaking Pakoras: The pakoras should not be left in the kadhi for too long before serving, as they can become soggy. Add them just before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Protein | ~7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~8 g |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
| Calcium | ~50 mg |
| Iron | ~2 mg |
Enjoy this wholesome, nutrient-packed Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora recipe with your loved ones for a satisfying and fulfilling meal thatβs as delicious as it is healthy!
