Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora Recipe – Moringa Kadhi Pakora
Description:
Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora, also known as Moringa Kadhi Pakora, is a comforting, spicy yogurt-based curry paired with crispy pakoras made from nutrient-rich drumstick leaves (Moringa). This North Indian delight is tempered with aromatic spices like cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves, offering a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pakora:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3/4 cup |
| Red Chili 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 |
| Oil (for frying) | As required |
For the Gravy (Kadhi):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Tadka (Tempering):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Red Chilli | 1 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2-inch piece |
| Curry leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnish |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pakoras:
- Step 1: Start by washing the drumstick leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai) thoroughly. After washing, chop them into small pieces.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients for the pakora: gram flour (besan), red chili powder, turmeric powder, ajwain (carom seeds), asafoetida (hing), and salt.
- Step 3: Add the chopped drumstick leaves to the mixture and mix well.
- Step 4: Gradually add a few drops of water to the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough comes together. The mixture should neither be too dry nor too wet. It should hold its shape when you form it into small balls.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into small portions (8-10 balls).
- Step 6: Heat a paniyaram pan (or any shallow frying pan) and add a few drops of oil to each cavity. Place the prepared pakora balls into the cavities.
- Step 7: Fry the pakoras on medium heat, turning them until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Preparing the Kadhi (Gravy):
- Step 8: In a saucepan, whisk together curd (yogurt), gram flour (besan), turmeric powder, and salt. Add 2 cups of water and mix until smooth.
- Step 9: Place the saucepan over high heat, whisking the mixture constantly to prevent lumps. Once the kadhi mixture begins to thicken, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
3. Preparing the Tadka (Tempering):
- Step 10: While the kadhi is simmering, heat ghee in a separate small pan for the tadka. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Step 11: Once the mustard seeds crackle, add the fresh red chili, cinnamon stick, and curry leaves. Sautรฉ for a minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
- Step 12: Pour this tempering into the simmering kadhi. Add the crispy moringa pakoras into the kadhi as well. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the pakoras to soak in the gravy and absorb the flavors.
4. Final Touches:
- Step 13: Give the kadhi a final taste and adjust the salt and spices to your preference.
- Step 14: Garnish with fresh coriander (dhania) leaves.
5. Serving:
- Step 15: Serve the Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora hot, alongside a steaming bowl of Green Moong Dal Khichdi or steamed rice for a wholesome meal.
Tips & Variations:
- If you donโt have a paniyaram pan, you can deep fry the pakoras in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- You can replace moringa leaves with other leafy greens like spinach or fenugreek (methi) for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the consistency of the kadhi according to your preference. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water while simmering.
- To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of green chilies in the tadka or add more red chili powder to the pakora mixture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Protein: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
Conclusion:
This Drumstick Leaves Kadhi Pakora (Moringa Kadhi Pakora) brings together the wholesome goodness of Moringa leaves with the comforting tanginess of yogurt-based curry. The crispy pakoras paired with a flavorful gravy create a satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you are a fan of North Indian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this dish is a must-try! Pair it with Green Moong Dal Khichdi or rice to make it a complete meal full of flavor, nutrition, and heartwarming comfort.
