Drumstick Coconut Sabzi
A wonderfully light and nutritious South Indian style dry curry. Tender drumsticks are simmered in a fragrant, gently-spiced coconut masala, making for a wholesome and flavorful dish that's ready in just over 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vegetables.
Wash the drumsticks and gently scrape the outer fibrous skin with a knife. Cut them into 2-inch pieces. Finely chop the onion and tomatoes.
Make the tempering.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the cumin seeds and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
TIPWait for the mustard seeds to pop completely before adding other ingredients. This releases their full flavor.Sauté the aromatics.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Cook the drumsticks.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Add the cut drumstick pieces and salt. Stir gently to coat the drumsticks with the masala.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, then cover the pan and simmer on low-medium heat.
TIPCook until the drumsticks are tender but still hold their shape. You can check by piercing one with a fork.Finish with coconut.
Once the drumsticks are cooked, add the freshly grated coconut. Mix gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sabzi should be semi-dry.
Garnish and serve.
Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can grind the coconut with a little water to make a coarse paste before adding it.
- 2Don't overcook the drumsticks as they can become mushy and fall apart easily.
- 3If fresh coconut is unavailable, you can use desiccated coconut, but soak it in a little warm water for 10 minutes first.
- 4This sabzi tastes best when served immediately while it's hot and fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. Drumsticks are a great source of Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, while coconut provides healthy fats. It's a nutritious dish that's good for bone health and immunity.
