Moringa/Drumstick Leaves Spice Powder/Munagaku Podi

Recipe Cooked, Photographed and Written by Praveena

 PrepTime:5mins   CookTime:5 mins   Cuisine:Indian

Moringa Leaves Spice Powder / Munagaku Podi is my latest favourite amongst the Indian spice powders, which are part and parcel of any Indian kitchen.

I was very much (you can underline that) waiting for a chance to make recipes with moringa leaves. And this is the first time I got to see some fresh leaves in my place. So, over excitedly and little greedily, I made few dishes consecutively in the same week… hahaha… But we did not get bored.

This is my first try making podi with these highly nutritious leaves. And you just have to try out! The taste of the steamed idli (lentil based patties) which we had for our breakfast, was sumptuous with this powder as a condiment.

Health Benefits of Moringa / Drumstick Leaves:

Moringa / Drumstick leaves give excellent merits to our health. Mainly these are very much suitable for diabetic diet and even for kidney patients. Highly nutritious, rich in iron, fiber and anti-oxidants. Suitable for Diabetic Diet and Anti-inflammation (info from internet).

Before starting to cook, don’t forget to see the Tips  mentioned at the end. 

My other Podi / Powder recipes here⇒ Powder / Podi

My Chutney Collection here⇒  Chutney / Pachchadi / Dip

Idli & Dosa recipes here⇒  Breakfast / Tiffin

Related Posts⇒ 

1. Chana-Saag Sukhi Sabzi / Mustard Greens / Kale & Lentils Stir Fry 
2. Roti / Tortilla with Beeroot Greens & Stalk
3. Instant Rava Idli / Steamed Semolina Patties

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 Ingredients:

•  Munagaku / Moringa / Drumstick Leaves – 1 cup
• Whole Red Chillies / Yendu Mirapakayalu – 25 to 30 no.
• Urad Dal / Black Gram / Minappappu – ¼ cup
• Sesame Seeds / Nuvvulu / Til – half of ¼ cup
• Cumin Seeds / Jeera – half of ¼ cup
• Coriander Seeds / Dhaniya – ¼ cup
• Peanuts / Palli – ¼ cup
• Dry Tamarind / Sukhi Imli – size of small lemon
• Salt – 3 teaspoons 
• Sesame Oil – 2 tablespoons 
• Garlic Cloves – 10 (optional)

Special Ingredients:

•  Dry Tamarind / Sukhi Imli
• Peanuts / Palli

Procedure for Moringa leaves spice powder / Munagaku podi:

• Firstly, take the drumstick / munaga / moringa leaves wash them and pat them to dry with a kitchen towel and set them to dry.
• Meanwhile, put a pan on stove top under medium flame.
• Add the oil and let it heat.
• Add all the other ingredients except the leaves, salt, dry red chillies, dry tamarind and garlic cloves (optional).
• Roast them by stirring continuously, until they turn light brown in colour and you get a pleasant aroma.
• Now add the leaves, dry red chillies, dry tamarind and garlic cloves (optional).
• Let them roast for about a min, until the red chillies turn their colour and the leaves shrink.
• Switch the flame off and set them to cool completely.
• Transfer all the roasted ingredients and salt into a spice  blender / mixie.
• Grind them into a coarse powder and store in an air-tight container. Done!! 

Step wise pictures Procedure for Moringa leaves spice powder / munagaku podi:

Tips:

• Be very careful while roasting the leaves, they might turn BITTER if you roasted for more than 2 mins. 
• Adjust the salt and spice as per your taste.
• Let the roasted ingredients cool completely and only then grind/blend. If not the powder would be wet and would not have long shelf life.
• Always use a clean & dry spoon for serving.
• For longer shelf life, store it in an air-tight container at a cool dry place.
• It stays fresh upto 1-2 months.

Result:

• We had this, moringa / drumstick leaves spice powder / munagaku podi, as a condiment for steamed hot idli(s).
• In every bit of it, the flavour of moringa / drumstick leaves is very much felt.

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