Moringa Drumstick Paratha: A Healthy and Tasty Way to Start Your Day

Moringa (Drumstick) Paratha Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped moringa leaves
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
• ¼ cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies
• 3 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
• 2 tablespoons pounded coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Water as needed
• Oil for kneading
• Ghee for roasting

For Garlic Chutney:

• 4 tablespoons oil
• ½ teaspoon heeng
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• A sprig of curry leaves
• 15 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 Kashmiri dry red chilies, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup jaggery, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the paratha dough. In a large bowl, combine the moringa leaves, whole wheat flour, gram flour, green chilies, onions, ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well to combine. Add water as needed to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the garlic chutney. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the heeng and cumin seeds and cook for a few seconds, or until fragrant. Add the curry leaves and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the soaked red chilies, water, jaggery, lemon juice, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened.
3. Roll out the parathas. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 10 inches in diameter.
4. Cook the parathas. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat. Add a dollop of oil to the griddle and spread it out with a paper towel. Place a paratha on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining parathas.
5. Serve hot with garlic chutney.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful paratha, you can add grated carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables to the dough.
• If you don't have moringa leaves, you can substitute spinach or another leafy green vegetable.
• To make the parathas ahead of time, roll them out and cook them until they are just cooked through. Then, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in a pan or oven until heated through.

Enjoy!

benefits

Moringa leaves are a nutrient-rich food that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Moringa leaves have been shown to offer a variety of health benefits, including:

• Lowering blood sugar levels: Moringa leaves contain compounds that can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This makes them a potentially beneficial food for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
• Reducing cholesterol: Moringa leaves have also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, both LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. This can help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Fighting inflammation: Moringa leaves contain antioxidants and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that they can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Boosting the immune system: Moringa leaves are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection.
• Improving bone health: Moringa leaves contain calcium and other minerals that are essential for bone health. This means that they can help to prevent osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
• Protecting the liver: Moringa leaves have been shown to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances.
• Improving brain function: Moringa leaves contain antioxidants and other compounds that can help to improve brain function and protect against cognitive decline.

In addition to these health benefits, moringa leaves are also a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried, and can be added to a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, smoothies, and baked goods.

It is important to note that more research is needed to confirm some of the potential health benefits of moringa leaves. However, the available evidence suggests that they are a safe and nutritious food that can offer a variety of health benefits.

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