Looking for a simple way to boost your iron levels without compromising on taste?
If you’ve been trying to include more nutritious, immunity-boosting foods in your daily diet, this Moringa Soup (Drumstick Leaves Soup) is exactly what you need.
It’s light, comforting, and packed with iron, protein, and antioxidants, all in one warm bowl. Perfect for those days when you want something healthy, healing, and easy to digest.
What is Moringa Soup?
Moringa, also known as drumstick leaves, is often called a superfood in Indian households, and for good reason.
Traditionally used in South Indian cooking and Ayurvedic diets, moringa leaves are known for:
High iron content (great for anemia)
Rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium
Natural immunity booster
This soup combines moringa with moong dal and warming spices, making it both nutrient-dense and gut-friendly.
Why This Moringa Soup Recipe Works
This isn’t just a healthy soup, it’s designed to be balanced in flavor and texture, which is where many healthy recipes fall short.
Here’s what makes it special:
Moong dal adds creaminess without cream
Whole spices create deep, comforting flavors
The blending step gives a smooth, restaurant-style texture
Light yet filling, perfect for any time of the day
Start by heating a little oil in your pressure cooker. As the oil warms up, add whole spices, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds. Within seconds, your kitchen will fill with that warm, earthy aroma.
Now toss in garlic, ginger, and chopped onions. Let them sauté just enough to release their fragrance, don’t overcook.
Next, add chopped tomatoes and cook them down slowly. You want them soft and slightly mushy, this builds the base flavor.
Add soaked moong dal, turmeric, and salt. Give everything a good mix, then pour in water.
Now comes the hero, fresh moringa leaves. Add a generous handful, mix, and close the lid.
After a couple of whistles, let the pressure release. Strain the soup, but don’t discard the solids; this is where all the goodness is.
Remove the whole spices, grind the remaining mixture into a smooth paste, and mix it back with the strained liquid.
Let it simmer gently until everything blends into a smooth, comforting soup.
Pro Tip💡 : Finish with freshly crushed pepper on top, it enhances both taste and health benefits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhvccOwiKGE
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try
Perfect for weight loss diets (low calorie, high nutrition)
Ideal for immunity boosting
Great for kids and elderly (easy to digest)
Helps with iron deficiency and fatigue
Diet-Friendly Versions
Vegan 🌿
This recipe is naturally vegan,no changes needed.
Gluten-Free
100% gluten-free and gut-friendly.
Protein Boost
Add extra moong dal or even a spoonful of cooked lentils for more protein.
What Goes Along with Moringa Soup
Toasted whole wheat bread
Garlic bread
Steamed rice (for a light meal)
How to Serve
Serve hot in a bowl with:
A sprinkle of crushed pepper
A few drops of ghee (optional for richness)
Packing & Meal Prep Tips
Can be stored and used as a daily health drink
Great for meal prep, make once, use for 2–3 days
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Straining Properly
Leads to a coarse texture.
Overcooking Moringa Leaves
Can make the soup slightly bitter.
Skipping Whole Spices
You’ll miss out on depth of flavor.
How to Store Moringa Soup
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
How to Reheat
Heat on the stovetop with a splash of water
Stir well before serving
Substitutions You Can Try
Replace moong dal with masoor dal
Add spinach for a milder taste
Use vegetable stock instead of water for richer flavor
This Moringa Soup, made from fresh drumstick leaves, is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. It’s rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants — great for boosting immunity and overall wellness. The moong dal adds a gentle creaminess and plant protein, while ginger, garlic, and whole spices bring warmth and wonderful aroma. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a light and healthy meal, this soothing soup is easy to make and feels like a nourishing hug in a bowl. Perfect as a starter or even a light lunch!
Ingredients
1tsp oil
2 clovescloves
1 cardamom
1small cinnamon stick
1bay leaf
1tsp peppercorns
1tsp coriander seeds
1tsp cumin seeds
few garlic cloves (peeled)
small piece ginger (peeled)
2small onions (chopped)
2large tomatoes (chopped)
2tbsp moong dal (soaked)
1/4tsp turmeric powder
1tsp salt
3cups water
1bowl moringa leaves (washed and strained)
1tsp salt
1tsp pepper
Instructions
Prep Work
1
Clean moringa leaves
Remove leaves from stems, wash well and strain
2
Prepare dalSoak moong dal for 15 mins until softened
3
Chop vegetablesChop onions and tomatoes, peel garlic and ginger
Method
4
Heat oil and spices
Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add whole spices, sauté until aromatic
5
Add aromaticsAdd garlic, ginger and onions, then sauté
6
Cook tomatoesAdd tomatoes and continue sautéing on low flame
7
Add dal and seasoningAdd moong dal, turmeric powder and salt, mix well
8
Add water and moringaPour water, add moringa leaves and mix
9
Pressure cookClose lid and cook for two whistles
10
Strain and separateRelease pressure, strain soup and remove the bay leaves
11
BlendGrind solids to a smooth paste
12
Combine and boilAdd liquid back to the saucepan, mix in the paste and boil gently on low flame.
13
Finish and serveAdjust the thickness (based on needs) and season it with salt and pepper. Serve them hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories95kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat3g5%
Saturated Fat0.4g2%
Sodium420mg18%
Potassium480mg14%
Total Carbohydrate14g5%
Dietary Fiber4g16%
Sugars5g
Protein5g10%
Vitamin A 3300 IU
Vitamin C 45 mg
Calcium 95 mg
Iron 3.8 mg
Magnesium 50 mg
Zinc 0.6 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Hema Subramanian
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.
My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!