Murungai keerai poriyal - Drumstick leaves stir fry

Preparation time : 15- 20 mins
Cook time : 10 mins

Drumstick leaves has lot of health benefits. Some people use it as a nutritional supplement or tonic.
I love drumstick leaves poriyal lots, sometimes i used to have as a side-dish with sambar or as it is. It tastes yummy and delicious :) It takes more time to separate the leaves from stalks, but its worthier to do it. It is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. Do try this recipe and let me know how it turned out  !!!

Ingredients needed :

Drumstick leaves - 2 small bunches
Tor dal -  1 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Onion - 1
Red chilli - 1- 2
Coconut - 5 pieces (medium- sized)
Sugar - a pinch
Salt as needed

For seasoning :

Oil
Mustard seeds
Curry leaves

Method :

1. Remove leaves from the stem. Yields around (1- 1/2 cup). 
2. Wash and pressure cook the drumstick leaves with enough water, adding a pinch of sugar and salt needed into it. Cook for 2 -3 whistles.
3. Pressure cook the tor dal along with turmeric powder and needed water into it for 2 whistles.
4. Once the pressure cooker subsided, allow it to cool. Squeeze the leaves and extract the water from it using your palms and place it in another bowl. Separate the leaves with fingers.
5. Heat oil in a pan add in the mustard seeds, once it sputters. Add in the curry leaves, chopped onion.Wait until it becomes translucent.
6. Add in the cooked drumstick leaves, cooked dal and stir well. If needed add salt into it .
7. Mean while grind the coconut pieces and red chilli coarsely and add into the mixture. Stir well and switch off the flame.

Serve as a side-dish for rice, sambar or any kuzhambu.

Tips :

• Make sure the dal should not be mushy. No need of soaking dal, exact 2 whistles is enough for the perfect dal to be cooked.
• Instead of red chilli can add sambar powder or chilli powder following the drumstick leaves.
• Adding sugar helps retaining the colour of drumstick leaves.

Serving size : 2- 3