Nutritious Drumstick Leaves Patra

Drumstick leaves are highly nutritious and rich in iron, calcium, antioxidants, and plant protein, making them an excellent addition to everyday meals. They may help support immunity, bone health, digestion, and healthy energy levels, especially in vegetarian diets. Adding drumstick leaves to traditional recipes like pathra or pathrode is a tasty way to boost both nutrition and flavor.

Drumstick leaves pathra recipe:

Pathrode ingredients:

1. Raw rice – 1 cup
2. Channa dal – 1/4 cup
3. Dry red chilies – 2 to 3
4. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
5. Tamarind – 1 tsp
6. Grated coconut – 2 to 3 Tbsp
7. Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
8. Salt – 1 to 1¼ teaspoons
9. Drumstick leaves – 2 to 3 cups (cleaned)
10. Jaggery – 1 tsp (optional)
11. Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
12. Sesame seeds – 1 Tbsp
13. Oil – 1 to 2 tsps
14. Mustard seeds – 1/2tsp
15. Curry leaves – a few leaves

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak both rice and channa dal for 4-6 hours.
2. Prepare the batter by grinding soaked rice, channa dal, red chilis, tamarind, turmeric, coconut, cumin and salt. Prepare thick coarse batter – consistency should be thicker than dosa batter.
3. Mix the leaves: Add cleaned drumstick leaves to the batter and mix well. If the leaves are very tender, use directly. Remove thick stems.
4. Shape: You can prepare it in two styles: Traditional roll style-Spread batter mix  on a banana leaf or clean cloth Roll tightly into a log OR Simple tray style-Pour batter mix into a greased steaming plate or shallow bowl.
5. Steam –Steam for about 25–35 minutes until firm. Insert a knife or toothpick — it should come out clean.
6. Slice and temper (optional) –Cool slightly and slice.
7. You can  eat directly with chutney   or pan-fry slices in a little oil with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Tips:

• If drumstick leaves taste slightly bitter, add a little jaggery to balance flavor.
• Do not make the batter too thin.
• Steaming is healthier than deep frying.
• You can add sesame seeds for extra flavor and calcium.

Image credit: www.werindia.com