Mulaga aku pappu (Drumstick leaves dal)

Drumsticks which are popular ingredients in sambar or sweet pulusu etc. are commonly cooked in South India. Moringa, drumstick trees are native to Africa and Asia.

Many parts like immature seed pods (mulakkadalu/drumsticks), leaves, mature seeds and flowers of moringa are edible and have lot of health benefits.

Juice from Mulaga aku is believed to have stabilizing effect on BP and sugar levels. It is used to treat anxiety. 

The leaves are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. Juice of leaves and carrots is used as diuretic. 

Leaves and buds are useful as external applications also to treat headache and skin infections. Leaves are helpful in killing intestinal worms.

Drumstick leaves are supposed to be good protein sources, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, and potassium. They are proving to be power houses of nutrients.

In India, drumstick trees are commonly grown in many places. Mulaga  leaves are available in some of the local markets. In USA, Indian stores in Seattle/Redmond, bunches of drumstick leaves are available.

Maybe keeping in view all the benefits, in Andhra Pradesh, it is customary to consume the leaves at least once during monsoon season. There are many recipes to make dal, chutney, spicy powder etc. Here is a recipe to make dal with drumstick leaves.

     

Ingredients:

•      1 1/2 cups cooked toor dal
•      1 cup mulaga aku (drumstick leaves)
•      2 Tbsp. tamarind paste
•      1/4 cup diced onion
•      4 or 5 garlic pods
•      1/2 Tsp. turmeric powder
•      Salt to taste

Seasoning:

•      2 red chiles
•      2 Tsp. oil
•      1 Tsp mustard seeds
•      1 Tsp. jeera seeds
•      1/2 Tsp. hing (asafetida)

Directions:

1.      Cook toor dal in a pressure cooker.
2.      Separate the leaves from stems.
3.      Wash and clean the leaves thoroughly making sure that there are no bugs sticking to the leaves.
4.      Chop onions finely.
5.      Peel garlic pods.
6.      Heat oil in a thick saucepan.
7.      Add red chile.
8.      Stir and add jeera and mustard seeds.
9.      When mustard seeds splutter, add hing.
10.      Add chopped onions.
11.      Stir well.
12.      When onions are translucent, add garlic.
13.      Keep stirring.
14.      Add drumstick leaves.
15.      Mix well.
16.      Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
17.      Add cooked dal.
18.      Add tamarind paste and some water.
19.      Add turmeric, hing and salt.
20.      Let the mixture cook for 5 to 6 minutes. 
21.      Add enough water till you get the required consistency.
22.      Cook for a few minutes.
23.      Transfer to a serving dish.
24.      A good side dish for roti or rice.