Drumstick Flowers (Moringa) ('Sahjan ke phool' in hindi)

We all know about drumstick and its nutritional values. In fact ,the whole drumstick tree is the ‘Power house of minerals’. But here I am talking about drumstick flower i.e. moringa .Moringa flowers are approximately one inch in diameter and a creamy white color. They could be harvested at any time, but younger flowers are better, quality wise. It can be eaten or used to make tea. It provides good amount of calcium and potassium.

Moringa (drumstick flower) have several uses:

It protects against tissue damage and strengthens the liver function.
It is beneficial in weight management. It has powerful diuretic content that helps reduce bloating and water retention.
Due to presence of potent antibiotic, it helps to combat infections.
It is brewed as medical tea and consumed as a health tonic to treat urinary tract infections (UTI).
It is rich source of amino acids, potassium and calcium, making them a vital supplement for nursing mothers.
Due to mild fragrance and antioxidant benefits for the skin, it is used in the preparation of cosmetics and perfumes including hair oils.

Here , I presented one of the easiest way to consume Drumstick flower (Moringa).

It is an Indian recipe called Moringa Fritters( Drumstick flower Fritters / in hindi “Sahjan ke phool ka pakora”).

Ingredients : Moringa {sahjan ke phool}(125 gm), Gram flour powder{Besan}(4 tablespoon),Turmeric powder(1 teaspoon), Garam Masala powder(1 teaspoon), Red chili powder(1 teaspoon), Asafoetida {Hing}(one pinch), Green chili(4 no.), Salt (according to your taste) , Water(amount as per requirement for mixing batter) and Refined oil( for frying)

Preparation :

· Remove hard stem from the flower and wash it in warm water two to three times and chop green chili.

· Take a bowl. Put Gram flour(Besan), Moringa and all other ingredients and Mix it well with water to make a thick batter. Keep aside for 15/20 mins. Now batter is ready.

Method :

· Take heavy bottom pan/fry pan, heat oil in it. Let oil to smoke. Drop small size

batter in it.(Either help of your hand or spoon) If batter comes up, it means right temperature of oil otherwise wait for a while and test again.

· After getting right temperature of oil or in medium flame, deep fry all Pakora (size of your choice), till golden brown. Keep aside. Repeat this till all batter is finished.

· Drumstick flower Pakora (drumstick flower fritters) is ready to serve.

Serve it with sauce or chutney.

Note : We can use these fritters (Pakoras) with gravy also and eat it with chapatti and rice.