Moringa - Drumstick leaves kootu - Murugai keerai kootu - Moringa leaves stew

Drumstick or Moringa leaves have many health benefits. It is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. 

Moringa is native to India and it is easily available in local vegetable markets throughout India. It is a tree that is commonly cultivated in houses.

The dried leaves can be used to make a rice mix (Muruga ela podi).  Here we are going to see Moringa leaves kootu, which is highly nutritious. It is a very healthy recipe, rich in iron, which should be consumed frequently.

 Ingredients:

Moringa leaves - 2 cups

Moong dal - 1/3 cup

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Red chilis - 2 or 3 (small ones)

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Coconut (grated) - 1/3 cup

Urad dal - 1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Asafoetida - a pinch

Coconut oil 

Salt to taste

Preparation:

Wash Moringa leaves. 

Pressure cook moong dal with turmeric powder.

Grind coconut, red chilies, and cumin seeds.

In a kadai,  put 2 tsps of coconut oil and add the washed leaves. 

Saute it until the leaves become soft and tender.

Now add cooked moong dal and then the ground paste. Add salt.

Stir well and let it boil for a minute. It is ready now.

Finally, in a tadka pan, add coconut oil, urad dal, splutter mustard seeds along with a pinch of asafoetida and add this.

Very tasty kootu is ready. It goes well with rasam and sambar .

Have made this recipe without onion and tomato. You can add them to get a variant of this recipe.