Moringa Republic

 

One of the backyard wonder plants found in the Philippines is the Moringa or Malunggay. This multipurpose plant is also called the Miracle Tree. Research proves that various parts can be used to cure at least 300 diseases.

Moringa Facts:

• Contains 4x more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots
• Contains 3x more Iron than spinach
• Contains more Calcium than milk
• Contains 7x more Potassium than Bananas
• Contains Vitamin C -- many times more than oranges
• Good source of Essential Amino Acids
• Helps balance cholesterol levels in the body
• Helps balance sugar levels

There is more to malunggay than ginisang mongo or tinola... Come home to a Malunggay Dinner for 2 !

 

Creamy Watercress Malunggay Soup

Ingredients

2 tblspn Olive Oil

1 pc Potato (medium) peeled and cubed

1 pc Onion (medium), chopped

225g Watercress

100 g Malunggay leaves

250 ml Chicken Stock

200 ml AP cream

Salt and Pepper to taste

Procedure

In a sauce pan, saute onion in oil until aromatic. Add potatoes and chicken stock. SImmer for 5 minutes or until potatoes are cooked. Add watercress and Malunggay leaves, simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Return to sauce pan, add all purpose cream and adjust seasoning.

Garnish with Malunggay leaves on top and serve on a bowl with a slice of toasted French bread.

Malunggay Basil Pesto

Ingredients

3/4 c Olive Oil

2 pcs Garlic

1c Malunggay leaves

1 c Basil leaves

1/2 c Cashew Nuts

1/2 c Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Procedure

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Make to a paste.

Grilled Malunggay Chops

Ingredients

1/4 c Malunggay Pesto

4 pcs Pork Chops

Procedure

Spread Malungay pesto to both sides of pork chops. Grill on a pan or griddle until chops are cooked.

Malunggay-Tomato Penne

Ingredients

2 tblspn Olive Oil

1 clove Garlic

1/2 c Malunggay leaves

6-8 pcs Tomatoes, quartered

300 g Penne Pasta

Salt and Pepper to taste

Procedure

Cook Penne until al dente. Set aside.

Saute garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes and Malunggay simmer until tomatoes are cooked. Toss in penne and season with salt and pepper.

Food Notes :

1. Published, November 2011 Issue of Cook Connecting Foodies Magazine