Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day
Healthy Eating, Kids Tiffin, PCOS and Weight loss meals, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹299.
About Drum Stick Bud
Drum Stick Bud is a unique and seasonal Bengali vegetable, cherished for its distinctive flavor and impressive medicinal properties. Rarely found in markets, these tender buds are a true springtime delicacy, instantly adding an element of exclusivity to any meal with their fleeting availability.
In Bengal, Drum Stick Buds are esteemed not only for their taste but also for their traditional antiviral and anti-pox benefits. Historically valued during spring—a time when viral infections like smallpox were more common—these buds offer both authentic flavor and natural wellness. This recipe invites you to experience a genuine taste of Bengal, while celebrating the remarkable virtues of this seldom-seen ingredient.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
- 250 gm Drumstick gms drum stick bud drum bud
Instructions
- Wash thoroughly the buds. Then boil for five minutes and strain excess water.
- Take a mixing bowl add buds, bengal gram flour, onion chopped, green chilli chopped, fresh coriander leaves chopped, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well and make a rough batter.
- Take a frying pan heat oil and fry like pakoda. Serve as snacks or with steam rice.
Recipe Notes
It is available in the month of January. Which protects whole year.
Additional Tips
- If you find the flavor of drum stick buds slightly bitter, blanch them briefly in salted water before cooking; this mellows the bitterness while retaining their health benefits.
- For a more festive Bengali touch, temper your oil with a pinch of nigella seeds (kalonji) and a couple of dry red chilies before adding the buds to infuse aromatic complexity.
- Drum stick buds are highly perishable; if you have extra, store them wrapped in a damp cloth inside an airtight container in the fridge and use within two days to preserve their delicate texture and medicinal value.
- Pair the finished dish with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee or mustard oil to highlight the unique flavor and balance the slightly earthy notes of the buds.
Additional Tips
- If fresh drum stick buds are unavailable, you can substitute with young moringa leaves or tender moringa pods, though the flavor will be milder; blanch briefly before cooking to retain their delicate texture.
- To bring out the unique aroma of drum stick buds, lightly sauté them in mustard oil with a pinch of nigella seeds (kalonji) before adding to curries or stir-fries.
- For a festive touch, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of grated coconut and a squeeze of fresh lime juice—this brightens the flavor and complements the slightly bitter notes of the buds.
- Leftover cooked drum stick bud can be mixed with mashed potatoes and spices to make flavorful Bengali-style fritters (bora) for snacks or as a side dish.
Additional Tips
- If you can't source fresh drum stick buds, try substituting with tender moringa leaves or young drumstick pods for a similar texture and mild, earthy flavor, though the taste profile will be slightly different.
- For a balanced Bengali meal, pair this dish with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee, or serve alongside a light dal to let the unique flavor of the buds shine without overpowering it.
- To retain the delicate texture and medicinal properties, cook the buds briefly over medium heat—overcooking may cause bitterness and diminish their nutritional value.
- For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of mustard oil and a pinch of roasted panch phoron (Bengali five-spice) just before serving to amplify the regional aroma and flavor.