Mulaga aku chana dal dry subzi (Drumstick leaves chana dal dry subzi)

Drumsticks, which are popular ingredients in sambar, 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 and flowers are edible and have a lot of health benefits. Juice from moringa leaves are believed to be having stabilizing effect on BP and sugar levels. The juice is used to treat anxiety.

The leaves are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. Juice of leaves is used as a diuretic. Leaves and buds are useful as external application to treat headache and skin infections. Leaves are helpful in killing intestinal worms. Drumstick leaves are supposed to be good protein sources, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and potassium. They are a power house of nutrients.

In India, drumstick trees are grown in many places. Mulaga leaves are available in some local markets. In USA, Indian stores in many cities sell bunches of drumstick leaves.

There is a lot of talk going on about health benefits of Moringa leaves and moringa powder is like a wonder compound in the market! No wonder, Moringa or drumstick plant is known as miracle tree!!
I have already given some recipes using moringa leaves.

In Andhra Pradesh, it is customary to consume the leaves at least once, during monsoon season. May be to ward off stomach infections!!

Here is a recipe to make a dry dal subzi with the leaves.

                                                                                                                                         

                                     

             
Ingredients:

•      1 cup chana dal  
•      2 cups mulaga aku (Drumstick leaves)
•      1 Tbsp. grated fresh coconut

Seasoning:

•      2 or 3 Red chile
•      1 Tsp. urad dal
•      1 Tsp. mustard seeds
•      1 Tsp. jeera seeds
•      Pinch of asafetida
•      2 Tsp. oil
• 
  

Directions:

1.      Wash chana dal.
2.      Soak in water for one hour.
3.      Wash and clean drumstick leaves.
4.      Remove any stems etc.
5.      Cook chana dal in a pressure cooker up to one whistle.
6.      Open the cooker when pressure is released and let the dal cool a bit.
7.      Dal should not be mushy and overcooked.
8.      Heat a thick pan, add oil.
9.      Add red chile. 
10.      Cook for minute.
11.      Add urad dal, mustard seeds and jeera seeds.
12.      Mix well.
13.      Add hing.
14.      Add cooked dal and mix well.
15.      Add the leaves.
16.      Add salt.
17.      Mix well.
18.      Reduce heat and cover.
19.      Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
20.      Mix well in between.
21.      Remove from heat, cover and let sit for some time.
22.      Transfer to serving dish, Garnish with grated coconut and serve.
23.      A very tasty side dish which can be eaten with rice or roti.