Murungai Keerai Thuvaiyal | Drumstick Leaves Chutney
Murungai keerai thuvaiyal is a traditional South Indian thuvaiyal or thogayal (chutney) prepared using murungai keerai, which are drumstick leaves. This wholesome dish has long been a part of Tamil household cooking and is highly valued for both its medicinal properties and comforting taste. Made by grinding lightly sautéed drumstick leaves with coconut, lentils, chilies, and spices, murungai keerai thuvaiyal is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create deeply nourishing food.
Drumstick leaves are considered a superfood in Indian cuisine. They are naturally rich in iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, and antioxidants, making murungai keerai thuvaiyal an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Regular consumption is believed to help improve hemoglobin levels, strengthen bones, support eye health, boost immunity, and aid digestion. In traditional practices, murungai keerai is often recommended for growing children, lactating mothers, and elders due to its high nutritional value.
The preparation of murungai keerai thuvaiyal is simple and rooted in tradition. Fresh drumstick leaves are carefully plucked, washed thoroughly, and sautéed to reduce bitterness while preserving nutrients. These leaves are then ground along with grated coconut, dried red chilies, urad dal, tamarind, garlic, shallots and salt. Some regional variations include ginger and curry leaves for added depth of flavor. The resulting thuvaiyal has a thick texture with a slightly bitter, spicy, and tangy taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
Murungai keerai thuvaiyal is best enjoyed with hot steamed rice and gingelly oil (sesame oil), accompanied by papadam or a mild vegetable curry. It also works well as a side dish for idli, dosa, or even chapati, making it a versatile recipe for everyday meals. Traditionally, thuvaiyal recipes like this were created to make leafy greens more palatable while retaining their health benefits.
In today’s health-conscious lifestyle, murungai keerai thuvaiyal stands out as a natural, homemade, and preservative-free dish. It is vegan, gluten-free, and easy to prepare, making it suitable for modern diets while staying true to traditional Tamil cuisine. If you are looking to include more nutrient-dense greens in your meals, murungai keerai thuvaiyal is a delicious and time-tested choice that combines taste, health, and cultural heritage.Check out the recipe below.
Ingredients
Drumstick leaves (murungai keerai)-1 bunch
Small onions nos
Garlic-4 nos
Urad dal-1& 1/2 tbsp
Bengal Gram dal-1 tbsp
Red chillies-6 nos
Tamarind-small gooseberry size
Grated Coconut-2 tbsps
Salt to taste
Gingelly oil-1 tsp
Recipe Video
Method
✍️Heat gingelly oil in a pan add Bengal gram dal and urad dal and saute lightly.
✍️Next add garlic , shallots and saute well. Now add red chillies and saute for few seconds.
✍️Add cleaned drumstick leaves and cook until done .
✍️Add tamarind piece and grated coconut and saute for seconds and switch off the gas.
✍️Transfer to mixie jar and cool. Add required salt and very little water and grind to smooth thick paste.
✍️Serve with hot rice drizzled with ghee or gingelly oil or with idli, dosa etc. Enjoy 😋
Total Preparation Time-15 mins
Serves-2-3