9 Traditional Indian dishes that use the superfood drumstick

With an increasing inclination towards health and well-being, people are gradually falling back to the basics and bringing back the good old foods that were once a staple, for a reason! One such food is moringa, also known as drumstick, which is known for its potent properties and umpteen health benefits. For ages, drumstick has been extensively used in day-to-day Indian cooking, and this is because of its unique health benefits, taste and texture, which make it a perfect superfood. Interestingly, drumsticks are made in so many different ways across the country. So, without further ado, follow us through these easy recipe ideas and enjoy!

Sambar is a classic South Indian-style dal recipe, which is made with a melange of veggies, tamarind, toor dal, spices , herbs and sambar masala. The addition of drumsticks adds a punch of taste, texture and nutrition to the dish. This sambar is served with hot rice, idli, dosa or vada.

This Kerala-style Drumstick Curry is a classic creamy treat, which is often enjoyed with appam, Dosa or rice. Made with the richness of coconut, spices and herbs, this drumstick-based coconut gravy is simmered with drumsticks, green chilies, curry leaves, and spices like turmeric and mustard seeds. Drumsticks are cooked until tender, resulting in a thick, flavorful curry. It is typically paired with steamed rice or Kerala parotta.

Another dish from South India, which is made using drumsticks, is Poriyal. This side dish is basically a dry vegetable stir-fry, which is made by sautéing chopped drumsticks with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It is a simple yet healthy side dish often served with rice and sambar or rasam, adding crunch and flavor to the meal.

This spicy dish hails from Andhra Pradesh. Made with a melange of spices and herbs, this pickle is prepared by tossing in chopped drumstick pieces and pickling them with mustard seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, and vinegar or lemon juice. This traditional pickle is a flavorful dish that can be paired with a simple dal and rice.

In Bengal and Odisha, drumsticks are cooked with potatoes in a mustard-based curry or tomato-onion gravy, seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and mustard oil. This dish is served with steamed rice and is known for its rustic and comforting flavors. To enhance the taste of this dish, it is often made with dal vadi.

Drumstick Dal is a hearty North Indian preparation where drumsticks are cooked with yellow moong dal or toor dal and seasoned with garlic, cumin, and turmeric. The drumstick infuses a slight bitterness and a rich texture into the dal, making it a wholesome and nutritious choice with chapati or rice.

Drumstick Avial is a traditional and nutritious Kerala dish made by cooking drumstick pieces along with a mix of seasonal vegetables like yam, raw banana, and carrots in a thick, creamy coconut and yogurt base. Lightly spiced with green chillies, curry leaves, and tempered with coconut oil, the dish has a mild, earthy flavor where the tender drumstick adds a subtle bitterness and rich nutrition. It is typically served with steamed rice.

Drumstick Soup is a simple yet powerful recipe made by boiling drumstick pieces, tomato, and beetroot with garlic, black pepper, and turmeric. To enhance the taste add garlic, onion and green chilies for extra flavor. It is often consumed as a home remedy to boost immunity and improve digestion, especially during colds.

Koottu is a semi-solid vegetable and dal-based dish popular in Kerala/Tamil Nadu, South India. Drumstick Koottu combines drumsticks, lentils (usually moong dal or chana dal), and coconut paste. Mildly spiced with green chilies and curry leaves, it is served with rice and is both nourishing and easy on the stomach.