Soft Drumstick Sabzi
Tender drumsticks simmered gently in a lightly spiced tomato-onion base until they turn soft and soak up all the masala. This homestyle North Indian sabzi is subtly tangy, mildly spiced, and pairs beautifully with hot rotis or dal-chawal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the drumsticks.
Wash and pat dry the drumsticks. Trim the ends and cut into 2-inch pieces. Make sure they are tender — test by bending slightly, they should flex without snapping.
TIPScrape off only the thin ridges with a peeler, not the whole skin. The skin helps the pieces hold shape during cooking. - boil · ~5 min
Parboil the drumsticks.
1.Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add the drumstick pieces and a pinch of salt. Boil for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.3.Drain and set aside. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the cooking water.TIPParboiling softens the fibrous outer layer so the masala penetrates deeper. - saute · ~8 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Heat oil in a kadai or wide pan over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.3.Add chopped onions and sauté until golden, about 5-7 minutes.4.Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears, about 1 minute.TIPCook the onions patiently — the golden color adds natural sweetness to the sabzi. - saute · ~6 min
Cook the tomato masala.
1.Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.2.Stir well and cook until tomatoes break down completely and oil separates, about 5-6 minutes.3.Sprinkle a splash of the reserved drumstick water if the masala sticks. - simmer · ~15 min
Simmer the drumsticks in the masala.
1.Add the parboiled drumstick pieces to the pan and gently mix with the masala.2.Pour in 1/4 cup of water and bring to a gentle simmer.3.Cover and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway. Cook until drumsticks are soft and masala coats them well.TIPAvoid stirring too often — drumsticks are delicate and can break apart. - garnish
Finish with garam masala, amchur, and fresh coriander.
Uncover the pan. Sprinkle garam masala and dry mango powder. Give a gentle stir. Let it sit for 2 minutes off the heat. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
TIPAmchur adds a gentle tang that balances the earthy drumstick flavor beautifully.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Scrape off only the thin ridges from the drumstick skin — the skin helps the pieces hold shape during cooking.
- 2Parboil the drumsticks in salted water until slightly tender so the masala penetrates deeper into the fibers.
- 3Cook the onions patiently until golden brown — this adds natural sweetness and depth to the sabzi.
- 4Stir the drumsticks gently and infrequently once added to the pan — they are delicate and can break apart.
- 5Use the reserved cooking water from parboiling to deglaze the pan — it adds extra flavor back into the masala.
- 6Let the sabzi rest off the heat for 2 minutes after adding the finishing spices so the flavors meld.
- 7Serve immediately — drumsticks turn mushy and lose their pleasant texture if left standing for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan as written — simply use any plant-based oil and skip the ghee if substituting. Perfect for plant-based diners without any changes.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce oil to 1 teaspoon and use a non-stick pan. For the onion-tomato base, add a splash of water while sautéing to prevent sticking. The drumsticks release natural moisture, keeping the dish moist without excess oil.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/2 cup of boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes along with the drumsticks in step 5. This boosts the protein content while complementing the mild North Indian spices.
JainJain
Omit the onion and garlic; replace the ginger-garlic paste with 1 teaspoon of grated ginger only. Use asafoetida (hing) in the tempering along with cumin seeds for authentic flavor without onion or garlic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron and Folate
Drumsticks are an excellent source of iron and folate, supporting red blood cell formation and energy levels, especially beneficial for plant-based diets.
High in Vitamin C
The tomatoes and fresh coriander contribute a good amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption from the drumsticks and boosts immunity.
Packed with Dietary Fiber
Drumsticks are naturally high in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and helping maintain steady blood sugar levels after meals.
Low in Calories and Fat
With just 1 tablespoon of oil and no cream or heavy dairy, this sabzi is a light, heart-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric, ginger, and cumin in this recipe offer natural anti-inflammatory properties that can support joint and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Gently bend the drumstick — if it flexes without snapping, it's tender. If it breaks cleanly, it may be too woody for this recipe.
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