The magnificent nutritional value of Moringa, or Drumstick leaves is quite well known, and they are still widely used in the cuisine of South India, but the flowers on the other hand have been somewhat forgotten.

Drumstick flowers essentially work as a boost for the male reproductive system; helping alleviate conditions such as oligospermia, infertility and erectile dysfunction.

Apart from their medicinal value, they impart a delicious, mushroom-like flavor, and have a nice bite to them too!

A recipe for Drumstick Flower Sambar:

• Soak ½ a cup of Toor Dal in water for 2 hours prior to cooking it. And then put it in a pressure cooker with ¼ teaspoon of Turmeric powder, and 1½ cups of water and cook for 4 whistles.
• In the meanwhile soak a lemon sized ball of Tamarind in ½ a cup of hot water.
• When the steam in the pressure cooker has settled, open it and mash the contents a bit with a ladle.
• In a Kadai, heat 1 tablespoon of oil, and add 1 teaspoon of Mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add 1 teaspoon of Urad Dal and roast briefly.
• To the above add 1 sprig of Curry leaves, 8 Shallots (peeled), 1 tablespoon of finely chopped Ginger, 3 cloves of Garlic (crushed) and a pinch of Asafoetida. Saute until the Onions turn slightly translucent.
• Add ½ a cup of Drumstick flowers (chopped coarsely) and saute for another minute. Then add 2 Green Chilies (slit open), 2 tomatoes (chopped coarsely) and saute until the Tomatoes turn mushy.
• Add 2 tablespoons of Sambar powder and saute for 2-3 minutes. Then add the cooked, mashed Dal, the Tamarind water after squeezing the pulp out of it and salt to taste. Let it come to a boil, and then simmer for 5 more minutes before turning off the heat.

This Sambar is delicious when eaten with hot millet, rice, idli or dosa!