By: Dr.Sirisha Potluri:
Moringa, commonly as drumstick tree, is a tropical plant widely known for its nutritional and medicinal qualities.
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that moringin, an isothiocyanate compound derived from moringa, may provide protection against chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, and may be useful in treating the symptoms of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or autism, especially in developing countries. Delicious recipe
Moringa leaves kootu/ Dal
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh moringa leaves
1 cup mung dal
1/4th cup Channa dal
2 tablespoons chick peas( I used canned)
3-4 tomatoes
1 thinly diced red onion
2 tablespoons freshly grated coconut ( we can use frozen too)
2 tablespoons frozen Amla pieces
6-8 garlic cloves
4-5 green chili’s
1 bunch thinly diced cilantro
1/4th teaspoon of mustard seed powder ( helps by providing myrosinaze enzyme)
Indian spices ( turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, red chili powder, curry leaves , few dry red chili)
Instructions:
Soak mung and Channa dal for 1 hour
Pressure cook Mung dal, Channa dal and chick peas in instant pot for 12 minutes on high pressure along with tomatoes,diced red onions, green chilis,red chili powder and turmeric.
Make a coarse paste of coconut and Amla pieces.
Heat a thick bottom pan and add cumin and mustard seeds, curry leaves and crushed garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of Hing.1 cup curry leaves,dry red chili and sauté for 30 seconds then add moringa leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes and cover with lid and cook for 2 minutes.
Now add dal that is cooked in instant pot to moringa mix and slowly mix everything. Add amla &coconut paste , diced cilantro and off the stove.
Enjoy with quinoa, brown rice or whole grain Chapathi’s or it’s delicious eaten as a soup too.