Moringa (drumstick leaves, munagaku, sahjan) has been part of Indian kitchens for generations. Dried and powdered, it becomes one of the easiest ways to add iron, calcium, vitamins and antioxidants to your diet. The trick is knowing how to use it so it tastes great. Here are seven simple ideas.
1. Morning moringa water
Mix ½ tsp moringa leaves powder in a glass of warm (not boiling) water with a squeeze of lemon and a little honey. Drink it first thing in the morning.
2. Green smoothie
Blend 1 banana, a handful of spinach or mint, 1 cup curd or milk and 1 tsp moringa powder. The fruit balances moringa's earthy taste.
3. Moringa dosa or chilla
Stir 1–2 tsp moringa powder into dosa, adai or besan chilla batter. You get a lovely green colour and extra nutrition, with no change in cooking method.
4. Sprinkle on dal and sambar
Add ½ tsp to a bowl of dal, sambar or rasam after cooking. Adding it at the end keeps the colour bright.
5. Moringa chapati
Knead 2 tsp moringa powder into 2 cups of atta for soft, green rotis that kids enjoy.
6. Moringa podi
Dry-roast urad dal, chana dal, red chillies and garlic, then grind with salt and 2 tbsp moringa powder. Mix with hot rice and ghee.
7. Moringa buttermilk
Whisk ½ tsp moringa powder and a pinch of roasted cumin into a glass of buttermilk for a cooling summer drink.
How much moringa per day?
Start with ½ tsp a day and gradually increase to 1–2 tsp. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on medication should check with their doctor before regular use.
Shop: Broo Foods Dehydrated Moringa Leaves Powder – 100% pure, shade-dried, no preservatives.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.