Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad Recipe
This unique and nutritious salad combines the sweet crunch of corn with the mild bitterness of drumstick leaves, offering a delightful and healthy side dish. The recipe blends traditional Indian flavors and is simple to prepare, making it an excellent addition to your meal, especially when paired with sambar, rice, and Chow Chow Thoran.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Corn | 100 grams |
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa) | 2 cups |
| Cumin Seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | ¼ teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Jaggery Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | ¼ cup |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4 people
Cuisine:
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Preparation:
Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet corn and drumstick leaves. After washing, set them aside to drain. -
-
Cooking the Corn:
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Lower the flame as soon as the mustard seeds begin to splutter. Allow the spices to release their aroma for a few seconds. -
Adding Corn:
Add the sweet corn kernels to the pan. Stir them well and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften and absorb the flavors of the spices. -
Seasoning the Corn:
Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the corn. Mix well so that the spices coat the corn evenly. Let this cook for another minute to allow the spices to meld into the corn. -
Cooking Drumstick Leaves:
Add the drumstick leaves (Moringa) to the pan along with jaggery powder and a little more salt. Add a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to help soften the leaves as they cook. Stir well and cook on low heat for about 3–4 minutes, or until the drumstick leaves are tender and the corn is well-cooked. -
Final Touch:
Once the drumstick leaves are softened and the flavors are well-combined, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. -
Serving:
Serve the corn and drumstick leaves salad warm or at room temperature. This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian dishes like tomato-onion sambar, steamed rice, and Chow Chow Thoran.
Tips:
- Jaggery Substitute: If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce or omit the jaggery. Alternatively, you can use a bit of brown sugar.
- Texture Variation: For added crunch, you could sprinkle some roasted peanuts or sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste for heat.
This Corn and Drumstick Leaves Salad is not only a flavorful side dish but also a highly nutritious option, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and iron from the drumstick leaves. Enjoy this easy-to-make salad with your favorite meals and savor the combination of sweet, savory, and slightly bitter flavors!
