Kerala cuisine is known for its distinct use of coconut, lentils, and traditional spices. The drumstick curry prepared in this southern region stands out for its unique flavor profile. Drumsticks, locally known as sahjan, when cooked together with lentils, elevate the overall taste of the dish and serve as an ideal accompaniment for rice. If you are tired of having the same ordinary dal every day and want to try something fresh for your afternoon meal, preparing a Kerala style drumstick dal curry is a great choice.
Ingredients and Basic Preparation
This flavorful dish can be easily whipped up using standard ingredients commonly found in Indian households. However, the exact proportions of spices and preparation styles may vary slightly from one home to another. The core ingredients include two tablespoons of tamarind water (optional) and two tablespoons of freshly grated coconut. Additionally, you will need arhar dal, drumsticks, onions, tomatoes, red chilli powder, turmeric, cooking oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chillies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
The cooking process begins by washing the arhar dal thoroughly and transferring it to a pressure cooker. Add turmeric, a little salt, and adequate water, then cook the dal until it becomes completely tender. Meanwhile, wash the drumsticks and chop them into roughly two-inch pieces. Cook these pieces separately in a small amount of water so they soften nicely without breaking apart or becoming mushy.
Next, heat a little cooking oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until they turn light golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes, red chilli powder, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and pulpy. Following this, stir in the grated coconut and sauté the mixture for a few more minutes. For those who enjoy a tangy twist in their curry, this is the stage to incorporate the tamarind water.
Final Assembly and Tempering
Take the cooked dal, mash it slightly, and pour it into the prepared spice mixture. Gently fold in the boiled drumstick pieces as well. Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed, and let the curry simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This allows the lentils, drumsticks, and spices to blend harmoniously. If the gravy appears too thick at this point, you can pour in a little warm water.
To complete the dish, prepare a tempering by heating a little oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, followed by fresh curry leaves and dried red chillies. Pour this aromatic tempering directly over the curry and mix well. Your authentic Kerala style drumstick dal curry is now ready to be served.
Tips to Enhance the Flavor
Ensure that you do not overcook the drumsticks, as they tend to disintegrate easily. The lentils should be soft enough to blend seamlessly into the gravy. Adding grated coconut imparts a natural thickness and a distinct richness to the dish, though it can be omitted if fresh coconut is unavailable. This curry pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice, appam, or idli. Keep the consistency slightly runny if you plan to enjoy it with rice, while a thicker gravy works well depending on personal preference.
