
Drumstick Leaves Stir-fry is a popular South Indian dish made from the tender leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, often cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is a staple in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where both the leaves and the long, drumstick-shaped pods are commonly used in cooking.
This dish is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a nutrient-dense option. It is exceptionally high in protein for a vegetable dish and provides significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and calcium.
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 185 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Potassium | 330 mg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 40 µg |
Per 1 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Moringa leaves are often called a 'superfood' because they contain all nine essential amino acids, which is rare for a plant source. Culturally, the tree is so valued in India that it's often referred to as the 'miracle tree' or 'tree of life'.