Paratha to Raita: 9 ways to enjoy moringa leaves during summer months

Moringa leaves, also called the 'miracle greens is an Ayurveda and medical science-approved green that is loaded with nutritional values. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, potassium, and high-quality plant protein, these leaves help boost immunity, digestion, skin, and energy levels. In traditional medicine, they are valued for regulating blood sugar, improving heart health, and promoting overall vitality. According to a study titled Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits, they are said to be a rich source of bioactive compounds that help control diabetes and have antimicrobial effects and neuroprotective properties. These leaves are said to be a natural powerhouse for beating the heat, as these tender leaves help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, support hydration, and provide a steady boost of energy without relying on caffeine. Here are nine ways of enjoying these leaves during summer months.

This can be your go-to morning sip, and all you need to do is steep fresh or dried moringa leaves in lukewarm water with honey and lemon for a soothing immunity-boosting drink.

For morning breakfast, one can blend a handful of fresh leaves or ½ tsp moringa powder into fruit smoothies for a nutrient-rich kick to boost immunity.

Moringa Dal makes for a protein and antioxidant-rich main course dish, where you stir chopped moringa leaves into toor or moong dal, cook them well and then add a tadka of ghee and cumin that goes well with roti and rice too.

This makes for a simple and easy side dish, where you sauté fresh moringa leaves with garlic, onions, potato dices and spices for a simple, iron-rich sabzi. It is best to prepare the sabzi in iron kadhai for added benefits.

This is one the most famous dishes made with moringa leaves and to make it, you need to finely chop moringa leaves and combine it into whole-wheat dough for flavorful, nutrition-packed parathas along with carom seeds, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper, for added flavours and nutrition.

If soup is your go to meal option on a hectic day, then make a clear soup with vegetable broth and load it with with washed and sauteed moringa leaves or powder, for an immunity-boosting, anti-inflammatory twist. It can be enjoyed with crackers.

Moringa Omelette makes for a healthy breakfast dish, where you have to add chopped moringa leaves to your morning omelette mixture along with onion, green chilli, salt, pepper, and coriander. This is a power-packed breakfast delight with added protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.

This is a simple and easy condiment that goes well with dal-rice and paratha as well. To make it, simply blend moringa leaves with coconut, garlic, chillies, and lemon to make a tangy, fibre-rich chutne. One can also add curd or tomatoes to add some tanginess.

If you are a khichdi lover, these tender leaves can also be combined with khichdi to make a soulful dish. Make a tadka with moringa leaves, curry leaves, mustard seeds, hing, and peanut oil and add towards the end while cooking khichdi to elevate its nutrition without altering the taste too much.