Murungai Keerai Thoran (Drumstick / Moringa Leaves Stir Fry - Kerala style)

   

           Murungai Keerai Thoran is a traditional Kerala style Drumstick / Moringa Leaves stir fry. It is cooked with lots of fresh coconut and in coconut oil for an authentic touch and flavour. Cooked dry, this yummy and healthy side dish is sometimes served as one of the items in a Sadya meal. You can relish it with either rice or chapattis. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this delicacy.

           

          Drumstick leaves is widely used in many South Indian recipes. It has amazing health benefits as it is a good source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, protein and iron. It also contains anti-oxidants, boosts our immune system, fights inflammation and lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. 

         Thoran is a Kerala delicacy that is not only nutritious, but very delicious and easy to prepare. It is a quick recipe and mildly spiced. You can prepare this stir fry dish with many other veggies like carrot, cabbage, beetroot, raw banana or okra and following the same method. It is almost similar to Poriyal recipes from Tamil Nadu and can be relished as a side dish with curd-rice, sambar rice, dal-chawal or chapatti. 

        

• 2-3 cups Drumstick / Moringa leaves, washed & drained
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 2 dry red chilies
• 1 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• pinch of fenugreek seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

To Grind - 

• 1/2 cup fresh coconut
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 2 garlic cloves (opt)
• 2 green chilies

          Grind all the ingredients mentioned (coconut, cumin seeds, green chilies and garlic (opt)) and keep aside. 

         Heat oil in a pan and temper with dry red chilies, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds. Sauté for a few seconds.

         Now add the onion, garlic and curry leaves. Stir fry till light brown. Add the drumstick leaves, salt and turmeric powder. 

          Mix well and sprinkle some water. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or till done. 

          Now add the ground coconut paste and give it a toss. Sauté for a few seconds and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy with some hot steamed rice for a great comfort meal. 

                      Heat oil & temper with dry red chilies, mustard seeds, cumin seeds & 

                      fenugreek seeds. Sauté for a few seconds.

                                 Add the onion, garlic & curry leaves. Stir fry till light brown. 

                                  Add the drumstick leaves,

                    salt & turmeric powder. Sprinkle some water & cook, covered till done. 

Add the ground coconut paste & give it a toss. Sauté for a few seconds.

                                  Transfer to a serving dish.

                      Enjoy with some hot steamed rice for a great comfort meal.