Drumstick is a very common vegetable available in Indian markets. India is the largest cultivator of drumstick. It is also found all over Asia and used a lot in their cuisine. All parts of the drumstick tree have medicinal value and is used in our cooking. The leaves of the drumstick tree is a good source of vitamins & also beta-carotene. The leaves also cure mouth sores. The pods of the tree which are commonly used in South India to make sambar is full of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus & vitamin-c.
Drumstick is used mostly in sambar & other gravy items. I came across this recipe by chef Harpal Singh & tried it out. Its very simple to make but extremely tasty. Takes very little time to make.
Preperation Time: 15 mts Cooking Time: 20 mts Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
Drumstick - 1/2 kg ( 6-7 nos. approximately)
Big onion (medium size) - 1 no
Tomato ( big size ) - 1 no
Garlic - 2 pods
Ginger - 1 inch piece
Lemon (medium size ) - 1 no.
Coriander leaves - 2 tsps finely chopped
Chili powder - 3/4 tsp
Dhania powder - 3/4 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - to taste
Refined oil - 2 tbsp
Method:
Cut the drumsticks in to 3 inch pieces. Boil them with a little salt till they are soft. Open the pieces & scoop out the flesh with a spoon. You can keep the seeds also. Cut the onions & tomato in to small pieces. Grate the garlic & ginger & keep it aside. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon & keep it aside.
Heat the oil in a vessel & add the cut onions. Saute them well till they become soft & transparent. Add the grated ginger & garlic & fry for a few more minutes. Then add the chopped tomato & fry well. Mash them all well with the back of the spoon. Add the chili, dhania & turmeric powders & fry well. Add the salt & saute well. Now add the scooped out drumstick flesh & mix it all well. Add the lemon juice & chopped coriander leaves & saute well. Drumstick bhartha is ready. Transfer it into a dish & garnish with chopped coriander leaves. This goes well with rotis, parathas etc.
Variations:
We can make eggplant bhartha using the same recipe. All we have to do it substitute drumstick with egg plant.
Tips:
1) Boil the drumstick pieces directly in a vessel. This will help us take it out in the right time. Using a pressure cooker to boil it may break the drumstick pieces & make it very difficult to scoop out the flesh.
2) We can add some boiled peas to add colour to the curry.
3) Make sure to buy tender drumsticks which are very thick & fleshy.
