Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic)

20 hours 30 minutes

1188 reads

4 from 3 votes

About Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic)

Discover the magic of Bengali cuisine with this vibrant Drumstick Dhoka Curry! It's a surprisingly simple yet deeply flavorful way to transform often-overlooked drumsticks, especially when they're less tender, into a culinary masterpiece.
This satvik, no onion, no garlic recipe features delicate lentil cakes (dhoka) simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy with drumsticks, soya chunks, moong dal, and a touch of green chili. Imagine the comforting aroma filling your kitchen!
Easy to make and packed with nutrition, this homestyle curry elevates humble ingredients into a dish that's both delicious and resourceful. It's a perfect example of how simple, wholesome cooking can create extraordinary flavor.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 hours 10 minutes
Cook10 hours 20 minutes
Total20 hours 30 minutes
Calories400 kcal
Serves2
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

Dhoka Ingredients

Curry Ingredients

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Instructions
 

  • Boil the drumsticks until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp and set aside.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a food processor or grinder, combine the drumstick pulp, soaked soya nuggets, soaked moong dal, green chilies, and turmeric powder. Blend into a thick paste.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • If the mixture seems too thin for steaming, you can add a little chickpea flour to thicken it. Spread poppy seeds (if using) on a banana leaf or a steamer basket. Spread the dhoka paste evenly over the prepared surface.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Steam the dhoka for 10-15 minutes, or until firm. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  • While the dhoka is steaming, prepare the curry. Heat the oil in a pan or pot. Add the bay leaves and onion seeds. Sauté until fragrant.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped tomato and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the tomato softens.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  • Add a glass of water to the pan and bring to a simmer. Gently add the steamed dhoka to the curry. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Finally, stir in the garam masala and yogurt. Simmer for another minute. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.
    Nutritious Drumstick Dhoka Curry (No Onion, No Garlic) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra depth of flavor, lightly char the drumstick pieces over an open flame or in a dry pan before adding them to the curry—this enhances their aroma and brings a subtle smokiness to the dish.
  • If you prefer a softer texture for the dhoka, steam them for a minute or two after frying; this technique helps the lentil cakes better absorb the curry while remaining intact.
  • To make this recipe vegan and gluten-free, ensure your soya pieces are unflavored and check that any hing (asafoetida) used is wheat-free, as some commercial brands contain gluten.
  • Serve with a drizzle of raw mustard oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander just before serving for an authentic Bengali touch and an extra hit of pungency.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer green chilies during the cooking process.
  • For a richer curry, use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk.
  • If you don't have drumsticks, you can substitute with potatoes or other root vegetables.

Storage Instructions

  • Allow the curry to cool completely before storing.
  • Transfer the curry to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 13gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.2gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2g

Geeta Biswas
Geeta Biswas

Are you missing old, traditional recipes? I, Geeta Biswas would love to share all those different tasty and traditional recipes. Most of my recipes are simple and very creative as I try to add twist and easy steps to prepare each and every recipe.

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4 from 3 votes

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