Recipe Cooked, Photographed and Written by Praveena
 PrepTime:5mins  CookTime:10 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!Â
How to serve:
Moringa / Munagaku Podi is mainly a condiment / accompaniment. Hence, its best suitable South Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, uthapam.
It can also be served as an accompaniment, in any of these Indian Meal platters, along with dal / pappu and Indian curry / koora.
The taste of the Yellow Moong Dal Idli / Pesarapappu Idli which we had for our breakfast, was sumptuous with this powder as a condiment. (as in the pic below)
Health Benefits of this recipe:
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.
Tamarind is high in anti inflammatory & anti oxidant properties, that protects against cancer.The tamarind puree helps in reducing body weight.
Cumin / Jeera has many health benefits like Aids Digestion, Boosts Immune System, Treats Respiratory Disorders, Promotes Skin Health, Treats Insomnia, Prevents Diabetes, has antiviral and Antibacterial Properties and is High Source of Iron (info from internet).
Before starting to cook, don’t forget to see the Tips  mentioned at the end.Â
My other Podi / Powder recipes here⇒ Powder / Podi
My Chutney Collection here⇒  Chutney / Pachchadi / Dip
Idli & Dosa recipes here⇒  Breakfast / Tiffin
Related Posts⇒Â
- Chana-Saag Sukhi Sabzi / Mustard Greens / Kale & Lentils Stir FryÂ
- Roti / Tortilla with Beeroot Greens & Stalk
- Instant Rava Idli / Steamed Semolina Patties
Follow me on⇒  Facebook  / Pinterest  / YouTube  / Instagram
 Ingredients:
- Â Munagaku / Moringa /Â 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 teaspoonsÂ
- Sesame Oil – 2 tablespoonsÂ
- Garlic Cloves – 10 (optional)
Special Ingredients:
- Â Dry Tamarind / Sukhi Imli
- Peanuts / Palli
Step wise pics Procedure for Moringa / Drumstick leaves spice powder / Munagaku podi:
Moringa / Drumstick Leaves / Munagaku plucked, washed and wipe cleaned.
All the ingredients taken into a plate.
Roasting all the ingredients except salt, dry tamarind, moringa / drumstick leaves, dry red chillies and
garlic cloves (optional)
Dry Red Chillies, Dry Tamarind, Leaves and garlic cloves (optional) also added to the same pan and roasted .
All the roasted items, set for cooling down, then blend into a coarse powder after adding salt.
Moringa / Munaga Powder stored in an air-tight container.
Tips:
- Be very careful while roasting the leaves, they might turn BITTER if you roasted for more than 2 mins.Â
- 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 up to 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 this, moringa/drumstick leaves spice powder/munagaku podi, the flavour of moringa is very much felt.
Ingredients, Accessories on ‘AMAZON’ to ‘SHOP’:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Moringa / Drumstick leaves spice powder / Munagaku podi
Equipment
- Frying pan (for stove-top method)
- Blender/Grinder/Mixie.
Ingredients Â
- 1 cup Munagaku / Moringa /Â Drumstick Leaves
- 25 to 30 count Whole Red Chillies / Yendu Mirapakayalu (long size)
- ¼ cup Urad Dal / Black Gram / Minappappu
- â…› cup Sesame Seeds / Nuvvulu / Til
- â…› cup Cumin Seeds / Jeera
- ¼ cup Coriander Seeds / Dhaniya
- ¼ cup Peanuts / Palli
- 1 small lemon Dry Tamarind / Sukhi Imli
- 3 teaspoons Salt (as per taste)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 10 cloves Garlic Cloves (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- 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!!Â
Notes
You can Pin it here for later, Pinterest link:
Do leave a comment or hit the like or follow button, just in case you like my recipe!
You can explore my other recipes by clicking the Recipe Category
Where do you buy Moringa leaves in the USA?
Hi Jayshree, you should definitely find them in any major Indian store.
Can use drumstick of leavesinstead we
I didn’t understand your Question?
Tried this moringa powder.. It’s very tasty and healthy
Thats an amazing feedback! 🙂 Thank you so much for trying & letting me know! Nice of you! 🙂