Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal Recipe (Moringa Aloo Sabzi)
Delicious South Indian Style Stir-fry with Drumstick Leaves & Potatoes
Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal is a nutritious and flavor-packed South Indian dish that brings together the goodness of drumstick leaves (moringa) and the comfort of boiled potatoes. This easy-to-make sabzi is infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, red chili, and sambar powder, and finished with a mustard seed tadka that gives it an irresistible flavor. Perfect for a wholesome lunch, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and sambar, and can also be packed in lunch boxes for a quick and nutritious meal.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo), boiled and cut into cubes | 3 medium-sized potatoes |
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai), washed and chopped | 300 grams |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch piece |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sambar Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon (for cooking) |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4-5 people
Instructions
-
Cook the Drumstick Leaves:
Start by heating a teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the washed and chopped drumstick leaves to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the leaves for a few minutes until they become tender. You’ll notice the leaves will release water as they cook. Once the leaves are soft, increase the heat to high and sauté until all the water evaporates. This should take around 4–5 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked moringa leaves to another dish and set aside. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
In the same pan, wipe it clean with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat, then add the mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the finely chopped ginger and onions. Sauté them for 4–5 minutes until the onions become soft and slightly browned. -
Add the Potatoes and Spices:
Add the boiled, cubed potatoes to the pan. Stir in a pinch of salt and sauté the potatoes for about 5 minutes until they are lightly roasted and slightly crisped on the edges. Next, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and sambar powder to the potatoes. Mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices. Let them sauté for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors infuse properly. -
Combine the Drumstick Leaves and Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are well roasted and coated with spices, add the sautéed drumstick leaves back into the pan. Gently stir everything together to combine. Cover the pan and let the Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl. This simple, yet flavorful Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete South Indian meal, serve the Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal with some Thakkali Vengaya Sambar (tomato onion sambar), steamed rice, and a side of Carrot Salad. This wholesome combination offers a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition.
Tips for the Best Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal
- Make it spicy: If you like your sabzi with a little extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder or even add chopped green chilies along with the onions for an extra punch.
- For a richer taste: You can also add a splash of coconut milk after adding the potatoes, which will give the dish a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable variations: If you don’t have drumstick leaves on hand, you can use other greens like spinach or fenugreek leaves (methi) as a substitute. The dish will still be delicious and full of flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~4g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
| Potassium | ~600mg |
| Vitamin A | ~15% of the daily value (DV) |
| Vitamin C | ~40% of the daily value (DV) |
| Calcium | ~10% of the daily value (DV) |
| Iron | ~10% of the daily value (DV) |
This Murunga Keerai Urula Poriyal is not only an easy-to-make dish but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the drumstick leaves and the wholesome potatoes, it’s a perfect way to add a delicious South Indian touch to your lunch. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe will be a go-to favorite for many meals ahead. Enjoy it with your loved ones!
