Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe

Hey friends! Dive into a cozy bowl of comfort with my favorite lentil and drumstick leaves stew—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing goodness.

I create a passion for cooking healthy and mouthwatering dishes. One of my favorite recipes is for a dish that combines lentils and drumstick leaves.

This one is really protein-rich. If you just dial back the heat a little—skip the frying pan full of blazing oil, and instead, drop some cubes of fresh tofu and some shallots into the pot—that makes a terrific, E-A-T- (easy, tasty, wholesome) vegan main course.

Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe Ingredients

• Lentils: Rich in protein and fiber, essential for a healthy diet.
• Drumstick Leaves (Moringa): High in vitamins A and C, promotes immunity.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, contains antioxidants.
• Tomatoes: Brings acidity and sweetness, packed with vitamin C.
• Green Chilies: Adds heat and spiciness, rich in vitamin C.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Enhances flavor, aids in digestion.
• Cumin Seeds: Earthy taste, good for digestion and immunity.
• Mustard Seeds: Adds pungency, boosts metabolism.

Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup lentils (such as toor dal or yellow split pigeon peas)
• 2 cups drumstick leaves (moringa leaves), cleaned and chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water (or as needed to cook the lentils)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

How to Make this Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe

1. Wash the lentils well in running water. Let them soak in water for about 30 minutes, then drain the lentils in a colander.

2. In a big saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Put in the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to pop.

3. Add the onion, which has been chopped finely, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

4. Combine the ginger and garlic pastes and sauté for about a minute until the raw odors dissipate.

5. Place the tomatoes and green chilies into the pot. Wait until the flesh of the tomatoes has turned to the soft and mushy stage.

6. Combine the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Sauté for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.

7. Incorporate the lentils that have been soaked and 2 cups of water. Mix thoroughly and heat the mixture until it reaches a full, rolling boil.

8. When it reaches a rolling boil, turn the heat down so the pot contents are just simmering. Put a lid on the pot, and let it cook until the lentils are soft and tender. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Also, you should start smelling a very inviting aroma.

9. Mix in the leaves from the drumstick and add salt as needed. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the leaves and lentils are tender and well-combined.

10. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top. Your lentils with drumstick leaves can be eaten with either rice or roti.

Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups
2. Colander
3. Large saucepan with lid
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Cutting board
6. Chef’s knife
7. Small bowl (for soaking lentils)
8. Stove or cooktop

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of lentil for this recipe?Of course, toor dal can be substituted with a variety of lentils, like moong dal or masoor dal, but keep in mind that the cooking times may not be exactly the same.
• What can I use if I can’t find drumstick leaves?If you cannot get drumstick leaves, you can use spinach or kale instead, though the flavor will be different.
• Is this recipe spicy?Spiciness is moderate in this recipe, coming from the green chilies and red chili powder. You can adjust those to your taste.
• Can I cook the lentils and drumstick leaves together in a pressure cooker?Certainly! You can use a pressure cooker to prepare both the lentils and the drumstick leaves together. To do this in an expedient way, it’s imperative to be attentive to the water quantity. Otherwise, you’re looking at a fairly easy cooking task.
• How can I make this dish vegan?This recipe is completely vegan since it incorporates just vegetable oil—and no animal products—at any stage.
• What can I serve with Lentils with Drumstick Leaves?Steamed rice or Indian bread, such as roti or naan, are good companions to this dish.
• How do I store leftovers?Store uneaten food in the airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure that it is reheated thoroughly before serving.

Lentils With Drumstick Leaves Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lentils: Other lentils, such as red lentils or green lentils, may be used as substitutes, but be aware that cooking times may differ.
Drumstick leaves: If you can’t get them, use spinach leaves or kale in their place, and adjust the cooking time. The latter two may require less time.
Green chilies can be replaced with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a heat level similar to that of green chilies. For something even milder, try bell peppers.
Substitute freshly minced ginger and garlic in equal parts for ginger-garlic paste.
Vegetable oil: Alternative flavor profile: Ghee or coconut oil.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-soak the Lentils While the recipe suggests soaking lentils for 30 minutes, doing so for an hour can further reduce the cooking time and ensure even softer lentils.

2. Enhance Flavor with Tempering After cooking, you can do a final tempering (also known as tadka) with some fresh curry leaves, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in hot oil or ghee for an added layer of flavor.

3. Adjust Spice Level If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the green chilies or use fewer chilies. Conversely, if you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of ground black pepper or increasing the red chili powder.

4. Boost Nutrition with Added Vegetables For added texture and nutrition, consider adding diced carrots or diced bottle gourd (lauki). These will complement the lentils and drumstick leaves well.

5. Check for Consistency If the lentil mixture is too thick after cooking, adjust by adding more water to reach your desired consistency, making sure to check the seasoning afterwards.