Drumstick masala / முருங்கைக்காய் மசாலா

Drumstick is normally used to prepare sambar in south india. It also has medicinal value and popularly used in Siddha medicine. It was tempting me to prepare this dish when I saw very fresh drumstick in an Indian grocery store. It came out very well even when I tried for the very first time.

Ingredients:

• 2 nos – Whole drumsticks (or 20 pieces)
• 1 no –Big onion(Chopped finely )
• 1 no – Tomato (Chopped finely )
• 1/4 tsp – Turmeric powder
• 1 1/2 tsp – Red chili powder
• 2 tsp – Coriander powder
• Salt as needed
• 11/2 cup – Water (add more if needed)

Seasonings :

• 1 tbsp – Oil
• 1 tsp – Mustard seeds (kaduku)
• 1/2 tsp – Split black gram (ulunthu/urad dhal)
• 5 nos – Curry leaves
  

Preparation method :

1. Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds,split black gram and curry leaves. Add onion, sauté until the onions become tender and then add chopped tomato cook for sometime.
2. Now add drumstick pieces along with little salt; cover the pan with lid and cook until it is half done.Then add turmeric powder,red chili powder,coriander powder and sauté until raw smell goes.
3. Next add 1 1/2 cup of water to this mixture; cover with lid and cook over medium flame until the drumstick cooks completely.Take off the lid and Keep frying until the masala turns slightly brown and dry . Switch off at this stage and serve as a side for white rice,paruppu(dhal) or sambar.

Notes:

• You can increase the quantity of water if you think it is needed for drumstick to cook.