5 from 1 vote

Drumstick curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features the nutritious drumstick vegetable as its star ingredient.

Drumsticks, also known as Moringa pods, are long, slender green pods with a unique taste and texture.

They are widely used in various cuisines for their distinct flavor and health benefits.

In this culinary adventure, we will explore the delightful world of drumstick curry.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Drumstick curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features the nutritious drumstick vegetable as its star ingredient.

Drumstick curry has an earthy and nutty taste with savory and spicy flavors. It can also have a tangy and slightly sweet undertone.
Serve drumstick curry with steamed rice, roti, naan, or pulao for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider vegetable curry, chicken curry, lentil curry, fish curry, paneer curry, egg curry, tofu curry, or mushroom curry.

Customize the spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy the diverse flavors and textures of different curry dishes.

The Ingredients:

Drumstick or sajne data: 500gms (cut, peeled & cleaned)

Tomato: 1 (weighing 100gms, finely chopped)
Onion: 1 medium size (finely chopped)
Ginger-garlic paste: 1½ tbsp

Cumin seeds: ½ tbsp
Red chili powder: 1 tbsp
Cumin powder: 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder: 1 tbsp
Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 tbsp
Coriander leaves: 10 gms

Salt: as per taste
Mustard oil: 3 tbsp

How to Cook Drumstick Curry (Step by Step Images)?

1. Heat the wok and add 3 tbsp of mustard oil.

(Expert tip: You can adjust the quantity of oil according to your preference.)

2. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and sauté them for two to five seconds until their aroma is released.

3. As soon as the cumin seeds start emitting their aroma, add the onions, fry everything well.

4. Now add the drumsticks to the wok after the onions have been fried.

5. Stir-fry the drumsticks with the oil and fried onions for 5 minutes until the raw smell completely disappears from the drumsticks.

6. At this point, add 1 tbsp of salt and mix it well with all the ingredients.

7. Next, add the ginger-garlic paste. By now, the raw smell from the drumsticks should have dissipated. Stir-fry the drumsticks and ginger-garlic paste together for 1 minute.

8. Now, add all the powdered spices such as red chili, cumin, turmeric, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir-fry all the ingredients well.

9. While sautéing, add a little bit of water to prevent the masala from burning. Continue cooking the masala along with the drumsticks for 5 minutes.

10. When the sautéing is almost done, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them for two minutes. Once the tomatoes become mushy, add 1 cup of water and the remaining salt. Mix it well, cover the wok with a lid, and let it cook for 5 minutes.

11. After 5 minutes, remove the lid. The Drumstick Curry is now ready. Add and mix freshly chopped coriander leaves to enhance the overall flavor. Cover it one final time, turn off the flame, and let it remain covered for 1 minute.

12. Transfer the Drumstick Curry in a bowl.

Pro Tips for Making Drumstick Curry

Drumstick curry is a delicious and popular dish in many cuisines, especially in Indian cuisine. Here are some pro tips to help you make a flavorful drumstick curry:

Choose fresh drumsticks: Select fresh drumsticks that are firm and green in color. Avoid ones that are wilted or have brown spots.

Prep the drumsticks: Wash the drumsticks thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut them into 2-3 inch long pieces, and if desired, scrape off the outer skin lightly with a knife.

Temper the spices: Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add whole spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Let them crackle and release their aroma before proceeding to the next step.

Onion and tomato base: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.

Spice it up: Add your preferred spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Adjust the spice levels to your taste. Sauté the spices for a minute to enhance their flavors.

Adjust consistency: If the curry becomes too thick, add more water or broth. If it’s too watery, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Coconut milk (optional): For a rich and creamy drumstick curry, you can add coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process. Simmer for a couple of minutes after adding coconut milk to allow the flavors to blend.

Season to taste: Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices if needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick, if desired.

Garnish and serve: Finish the curry by garnishing it with fresh cilantro leaves or grated coconut. Serve the drumstick curry hot with steamed rice, roti, or any bread of your choice.

Remember, these tips are just guidelines, and you can always experiment with different spices and ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.

What to Serve with Drumstick Curry?

Here are some suggestions for what you can serve with drumstick curry:

Steamed Rice: A classic and simple choice is to serve drumstick curry with steamed basmati rice. The mildness of the rice helps balance the flavors of the curry.

Roti or Chapati: Indian flatbreads like roti or chapati are great accompaniments to drumstick curry. Their soft and slightly chewy texture works well with the curry’s sauce.

Naan: Another popular choice is naan bread, which is soft and slightly fluffy. Tear off a piece of naan and use it to scoop up the curry for a delicious combination.

Paratha: Parathas are flaky and layered Indian bread made with whole wheat flour. They add a delightful texture to the meal and can be enjoyed with drumstick curry.

Pulao: A fragrant rice dish like vegetable pulao or jeera rice can be a flavorful side dish to serve alongside drumstick curry. The aromatic spices in the pulao complement the curry nicely.

Dosa: If you’re looking for a South Indian twist, you can serve drumstick curry with dosa, a thin and crispy fermented rice and lentil crepe. The combination of the curry’s flavors and the dosa’s unique texture creates a delicious contrast.

Vegetable Biryani: Biryani is a flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and mixed vegetables. The complexity of the biryani’s flavors pairs well with the drumstick curry.

These are just a few ideas, and you can mix and match based on your preferences. The goal is to have a combination of flavors, textures, and temperatures that complement the drumstick curry and create a satisfying meal.

How Does Drumstick Curry Taste?

Drumstick curry has a unique and distinct flavor profile. The taste can vary slightly depending on the spices and ingredients used in the curry, as well as the cooking method. However, in general, drumstick curry has the following characteristics:

Earthy and Nutty: Drumstick itself has a mild and slightly earthy flavor. When cooked in a curry, it imparts a subtle nuttiness to the dish.

Savory and Spicy: The curry base, typically made with onions, tomatoes, and spices, adds depth and richness to the dish. The combination of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala contributes to the savory and slightly spicy taste.

Tangy and Sour: Some versions of drumstick curry may include a hint of tanginess and sourness, usually achieved by adding tamarind pulp, lemon juice, or yogurt. This adds a pleasant tartness to the overall flavor.

Aromatic: The tempering of whole spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves at the beginning of the cooking process releases their aromatic oils, enhancing the overall fragrance of the curry.

Slightly Sweet: Drumstick curry can have a subtle sweetness due to the natural sweetness of the drumstick itself. This sweetness is often balanced by the spices and other savory components of the curry.

Overall, drumstick curry is a well-balanced dish with a harmonious blend of flavors. It combines earthiness, nuttiness, spiciness, tanginess, and a touch of sweetness to create a satisfying and aromatic curry.

Drumstick Curry Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to drumstick curry, here are a few options that you might consider:

Vegetable Curry: Instead of drumsticks, you can make a delicious vegetable curry using a variety of seasonal vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas. Customize the spices and flavors to your liking, and enjoy a flavorful and hearty vegetable curry.

Chicken Curry: If you prefer non-vegetarian options, chicken curry is a popular choice. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful curry base. Adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Lentil Curry: Lentil curries, such as dal, are nutritious and comforting options. You can prepare a variety of lentil curries like red lentil dal, yellow dal, or mixed lentil curry. Season them with spices, herbs, and aromatics to create a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

Fish Curry: Fish curries are common in coastal regions and can be made with various types of fish. Each region has its own unique preparation style, but fish curries often feature a tangy and spicy flavor profile. Experiment with different spices and tamarind or coconut-based gravies to create a delicious fish curry.

Paneer Curry: Paneer, a type of Indian cheese, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in curries. Paneer curries are rich and creamy, usually prepared with a tomato-based gravy. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance the flavors.

Egg Curry: For a protein-packed option, egg curry is a great choice. Hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a flavorful curry sauce, usually made with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The eggs absorb the flavors of the curry, creating a delicious combination.

Tofu Curry: If you prefer plant-based options, tofu curry is a fantastic alternative. Firm tofu can be used in curries, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while adding a creamy and protein-rich element to the dish.

Mushroom Curry: Mushrooms have a unique texture and flavor that works well in curries. You can make a mushroom curry using a variety of mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or portobello. Combine them with spices, onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk for a delicious vegetarian option.

Remember, these alternatives can be customized with various spices, herbs, and ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Enjoy exploring the world of curries with these options!