Sunday Special: Drumstick delights for a hale and healthy life for all!

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

Introduction to Drumsticks

Drumstick, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a versatile and nutrient-rich plant native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is often referred to as the “drumstick tree” due to the elongated shape of its seed pods. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties and various culinary uses. Drumstick leaves, pods, and seeds are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a popular ingredient in traditional cuisines and herbal remedies.

• Drumstick leaves, pods, and seeds are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a popular ingredient in traditional cuisines and herbal remedies
• Explore these recipes to experience the rich and diverse ways drumstick can enhance your meals, offering a blend of taste and nutritional goodness
• Nearly every part of the plant has long been used in herbal medicine to treat more than 300 conditions

Origin of Drumsticks

Drumstick, or Moringa oleifera, is believed to have originated in the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. However, it has spread and adapted to various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, and its cultivation has expanded across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Americas. Today, it is widely grown in diverse climates due to its resilience and the nutritional benefits derived from its leaves, pods, and seeds.

Health Benefits of Drumsticks

1. Nutrient-Rich: Drumstick is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and iron.
2. Antioxidant Properties: It contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Drumstick has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to reducing inflammation in the body.
4. Cholesterol Management: Studies suggest that drumstick may help lower cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.
5. Blood Sugar Control: Some research indicates that drumstick may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
6. Digestive Health: The plant is known for its fiber content, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
7. Rich in Protein: Drumstick leaves and pods are a good source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle health and overall body function.
8. Immune System Support: The high vitamin C content in drumstick contributes to a healthy immune system.
9. Anti-Bacterial Properties: Drumstick exhibits antibacterial properties, potentially assisting in fighting infections.
10. Nearly every part of the plant has long been used in herbal medicine to treat more than 300 conditions

Recipes using Drumsticks

DRUMSTICK SAMBAR

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (pigeon peas), cooked
• 2-3 drumsticks, cut into pieces
• 1 small lemon-sized tamarind ball, soaked in water
• 2 tablespoons Sambar powder
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• A pinch of Asafoetida (hing)
• A handful of Curry leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 medium-sized Onion, chopped
• 2 medium-sized Tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 Green chilies, slit
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method

• Cook toor dal until soft, and keep it aside.
• Soak tamarind in water, extract the pulp, and set it aside.
• In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add green chilies and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add drumsticks, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well.
• Pour in the tamarind pulp and let it simmer until drumsticks are tender.
• Add sambar powder to the mixture. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
• Combine the cooked toor dal with the drumstick mixture. Simmer until well combined.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice.

DRUMSTICK PULAO

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2-3 drumsticks, cut into pieces
• 1 Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 Green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• A handful of Mint leaves, chopped
• A handful of Coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
• Salt to taste

Method

• Rinse the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water.
• In a pot, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add drumsticks, peas, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
• Add soaked and drained basmati rice. Stir gently to coat the rice with the masala.
• Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, add chopped mint and coriander leaves.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

DRUMSTICK MASALA

Ingredients:

• 2-3 drumsticks, cut into pieces
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A handful of coriander leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Method

• In a pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, and cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add drumsticks, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Mix well.
• Pour in yogurt and cook until the drumsticks are tender.
• Adjust salt, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve hot with rice or bread.

DRUMSTICK CHUTNEY

Ingredients

• 2-3 drumsticks, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 2 green chilies
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Method

• Boil chopped drumsticks until tender. Allow them to cool.
• In a blender, combine boiled drumsticks, grated coconut, green chilies, and tamarind paste. Blend into a smooth chutney.
• In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Add a pinch of hing.
• Pour the tempering over the chutney. Mix well, adjust salt, and serve with dosa or rice.

DRUMSTICK CURRY

Ingredients

• 6-8 drumsticks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

• Sauté mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
• Add tomatoes, cook until soft.
• Add spices, drumsticks, and sauté.
• Add water, cover, and simmer until drumsticks are tender.
• Sprinkle garam masala, garnish with coriander.
• Serve hot with rice or bread.

DRUMSTICK STIR–FRY

Ingredients

• 2-3 drumsticks, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup French beans, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• A handful of curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Method

• In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter.
• Add sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
• Add drumsticks, julienned carrots, chopped French beans, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and curry leaves. Mix well.
• Cook until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
• Adjust salt, and serve the stir-fry hot as a side dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drumstick, or Moringa oleifera, is a versatile and nutritious ingredient deeply rooted in Indian cuisine. From the aromatic spices of Drumstick Biryani to the comforting warmth of Drumstick Soup, these recipes showcase the plant’s unique flavours and health benefits. Whether incorporated into curries, parathas, or raitas, drumstick adds a distinct touch to a variety of dishes, making it a cherished element in Indian culinary traditions. Explore these recipes to experience the rich and diverse ways drumstick can enhance your meals, offering a blend of taste and nutritional goodness.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com

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