Dal Moringa | Protein Rich Dal | Moringa Dal
Dal Moringa is one of the healthiest options that are easy to cook & available in the local market.
Moringa leaves are also known as Drumstick leaves & traditionally been used as a medicine in India for thousands of years. The name derived from the Tamil word ‘Murungai’ means drumstick.
History of Drumstick leaves
Uses of Moringa leaves are as old as human civilization but first documented around 5000 years ago in the Vedic literature of India. This plant is native to India and spread across the world. The drumstick plant plays a vital role in cultural, social, religious, environmental & nutritional aspects.
One interesting historical story is behind Moringa leaves – Ancient Mauryan warriors were fed with moringa leaves & their extract on the war front because of their healing properties & relief from stress and pain. These brave Mauryan soldiers defeated Alexander, who conquered the whole world but was unable to conquer India. Roman historians recorded that these warriors hardly got sick & needed less sleep.
The historical record also reveals that the ancient Indian king & queen uses drumstick leaves & fruits in their regular diet for healthy skin & mental alertness.
Drumstick leaves are known as a superfood & considered to be nature’s gold. Please find the recipe below to make your meal delicious & healthy.
Dal Moringa
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Moringa leaves
- 1 cup Mix Dal (Tur, Moong, Masoor, Urad & Chana Dal)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds (whole Jeera)
- 2 numbers Green Chilies (Crush it)
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder (Haldi Powder)
- 2 tsp Coriander Powder (Dhania Powder)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch powder)
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri Lal Mirch Powder)
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Coriander Leaves for garnish
- 1 tbsp Clarified Butter (Desi Ghee)
- ½ cup Chopped Onion
- 1 cup Chopped Tomatoe
Instructions
- Wash and soak the mixed dal for 1 hr.
- Cook the mixed lentils in a pressure cooker with turmeric powder & salt to taste on a medium flame for up to 3 whistles.
- Wash the Moringa leaves.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds & asafoetida (hing).
- Add chopped onion and cook till onion turns light brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and crushed chilies in it & saute it till the raw smell of ginger garlic goes off.
- Add all the dry spices- turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and garam masala.
- Add chopped tomatoes & cook it till the tomatoes are cooked completely.
- Add moringa leaves and saute it for 4-5 minutes & add mixed dal to the mixers. Simmer it for 7-10 minutes or till it is cooked. Finish it by adding a spoon of desi ghee & garnished it with chopped coriander.
- Serve with roti and rice.
Notes
- It is a good source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6 & C. It is also rich in minerals like zinc, magnesium, calcium & phosphorus.
- Moringa leaves are a rich source of amino acid that helps to make protein in the body.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties & helps to recover fast after injuries.
It has antioxidants that protect us from the free radicals present in the environment. - Regular uses of moringa leaves help to stabilize the blood sugar level.
It helps to reduce the cholesterol level of your body & keeps your heart healthy. - It is also suitable for your liver & helps to stabilize liver enzymes.
Importance
The world recognizes the drumstick plant & it treats over 300 diseases. It is used as a home remedy & in Ayurveda. Modern medical science has also accepted the power of these plants. We all should go back to our original and local food habits that help to lead a healthy lifestyle.