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Drumsticks or moringa, or sehjan, are one of those vegetables many people tend to push to the side of the plate. The long, fibrous pods can often feel like 'too much effort,' and their earthy flavour is not what many would like to taste. But behind that slightly rough exterior is a powerhouse of nourishment, which is rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, fibre, and antioxidants that boost immunity, joint health, and overall strength, particularly in the winter season. The trick is not to push yourself to eat them blandly, but to smartly sneak them into dishes you already love.
From adding them to sambar and sabzi to mixing the pulp into soups or kneading the moringa leaves into parathas, drumsticks can quietly become a routine part of your everyday meals. With a few clever tweaks, this so-called bland or tasteless vegetable will stop feeling like punishment and will feel like everyday food that nourishes your body while still pleasing your taste buds.
Sambar With Drumsticks
Using the drumsticks in the South Indian sambar is one of the most effortless ways to enjoy this veggie. Cook toor dal with turmeric, then boil with imli ka paani, sambar powder, tomatoes, and soft drumstick pieces. As they turn tender, the drumsticks release a slight, earthy flavour to the sambar, and the pulp inside becomes smooth. Pair it with rice, idli, or dosa to get a homely, nutritious meal that satisfies your palate.
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Drumstick Sabzi
Change the traditional aloo sabzi to a nutrient-loaded accompaniment by adding the drumstick pieces to it. Lightly sauté some mustard seeds, cumin, onions, and garlic, then toss the potatoes, drumsticks, turmeric, and a pinch of red chilli and coriander powder into it. As it cooks gently, the potatoes absorb the spice blend, whereas the drumsticks deliver a distinct, aromatic charm. Serve it with dal and roti for a complete, balanced meal. It may look simple, but this drumstick or sehjan ki sabzi gives you iron, fibre, and goodness of plant compounds that sustain the bone and joint health, without changing the daily eating pattern too much.
Drumstick Soup
On days you feel the energy level is low or the cold winter season has arrived, a warm drumstick soup can be your silent immunity booster partner. Boil some drumstick pieces with garlic, pepper, onions, carrot, and a little bit of salt till the drumstick turns soft, then press to extract the pulp in the broth and throw the shells. The outcome is a light, gentle soup which is loaded with vitamin C, minerals, and anti-inflammatory combinations. Drumstick soup is gentle on the stomach, keeps the body hydrated, and makes a great evening drink when you do not want something heavy, but still nourishing.
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Drumstick Leaf (Moringa) Paratha
If any way to include drumsticks in your diet does not suit you, simply knead the drumstick leaves, also known as moringa leaves, in your dough. Finely chop the leaves and mix them in the whole wheat flour with some ajwain, curd, salt, and a little ghee to knead a soft dough. Make parathas out of it and cook them on a tawa with little ghee. These parathas are rich in iron, calcium, and protein in making them perfect for breakfast or lunchboxes. Pair it with curd or achar to make a complete meal. It is a smart way to add moringa to the diet without any fuss over greens.
Drumstick Coconut Curry
For a comforting but flavourful option, drumstick coconut curry inspired by coastal flavours is a must-try. Cook the drumstick pieces in a light gravy prepared with ground coconut, green chillies, cumin, garlic, and a hint of turmeric. In the end, season it with a tempering of mustard seeds and some curry leaves. The coconut delivers creaminess, whereas the drumsticks deliver a gentle taste and soak up the aromatic blend of masala. This curry goes beautifully with steamed rice or millets. Apart from being just good in taste, it also has healthy fats, fibre, and micronutrients that support the skin, hair, and overall health.
(Image credit: Freepik)
