When we were in school, we always looked forward to the summer holidays and visit to our paternal grandfather's house in Goa. In the backyard, there was a drumstick tree and grandfather would harvest the flowers, leaves and young seed pods (drumsticks). He used a stick that had a V-shaped hook at the top end with which, he would give a slight tug to detach the drumsticks. We would run around and collect them as they fell to the ground. My mother would cook up the flowers and leaves into a delicious dish. Though drumstick foogath was frequently made, she also paired a few of the drumsticks with prawns in a coconut-based spiced curry. Served with red parboiled rice, it was tasty and satisfying.
This traditional curry is balanced with the sweetness of the coconut, heat from the spices, sourness from the tomato and tamarind. Prawns add depth of flavour, while drumsticks gives a distinct taste that makes the gravy truly delectable. Select fresh drumsticks that are light green, long and slender. Avoid those with matured seeds and a tough exterior.
Drumsticks contains high levels of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin. Aids in purifying the blood, strengthening the bones and also, a powerful antibiotic agent. Controls blood sugar and promotes digestion. Referred to as the “power house of minerals” for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties. The tree is known as moringa oleifera, miracle tree, drumstick tree or horseradish tree.
This traditional curry is balanced with the sweetness of the coconut, heat from the spices, sourness from the tomato and tamarind. Prawns add depth of flavour, while drumsticks gives a distinct taste that makes the gravy truly delectable. Select fresh drumsticks that are light green, long and slender. Avoid those with matured seeds and a tough exterior.
Drumsticks contains high levels of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin. Aids in purifying the blood, strengthening the bones and also, a powerful antibiotic agent. Controls blood sugar and promotes digestion. Referred to as the “power house of minerals” for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties. The tree is known as moringa oleifera, miracle tree, drumstick tree or horseradish tree.
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Goan Prawn Curry With Drumsticks
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 cup (200 grams) prawns (weight after cleaning)
4 drumsticks (250 to 300 grams)
1 onion (chopped)
1 sprig of curry leaves (optional)
1 tomato (chopped)
2 green chillies (slit)
1 cup tamarind water
1 cup water
1/2 a bouillon cube
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Grind to a fine paste with 1 cup water
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh grated coconut
8 red dried Kashmiri chillies
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 large cloves of garlic
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Method:
Wash and season prawns with salt.
Peel and cut drumsticks into 3-inch pieces. Wash and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan, add curry leaves and sauté onion until soft. Stir in the tomato and once pulpy, fry the ground masala well. Rinse the blender jar with 1 cup water, add to the pan along with tamarind water, green chillies and drumsticks. Cover pan with lid slightly ajar and let drumsticks cook until half done.
Include the prawns and let them cook for a couple of minutes. Check for seasoning, add the bouillon cube and salt.
Serve curry with steaming hot rice.
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 cup (200 grams) prawns (weight after cleaning)
4 drumsticks (250 to 300 grams)
1 onion (chopped)
1 sprig of curry leaves (optional)
1 tomato (chopped)
2 green chillies (slit)
1 cup tamarind water
1 cup water
1/2 a bouillon cube
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Grind to a fine paste with 1 cup water
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh grated coconut
8 red dried Kashmiri chillies
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 large cloves of garlic
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Method:
Wash and season prawns with salt.
Peel and cut drumsticks into 3-inch pieces. Wash and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan, add curry leaves and sauté onion until soft. Stir in the tomato and once pulpy, fry the ground masala well. Rinse the blender jar with 1 cup water, add to the pan along with tamarind water, green chillies and drumsticks. Cover pan with lid slightly ajar and let drumsticks cook until half done.
Include the prawns and let them cook for a couple of minutes. Check for seasoning, add the bouillon cube and salt.
Serve curry with steaming hot rice.
