Unique culinary uses of neem leaves and their benefits

Amazing culinary uses of neem leaves

Since childhood, we have seen our elders using neem leaves in several ways. Right from preparing neem juice to adding neem leaves to the usual kadha to making several traditional delicacies, neem has been an inseparable part of our lives.

Despite its bitter taste, neem has been a part of several cuisines and is consumed as a quintessential delight in some culinary cultures, but have you ever wondered what makes these so-bitter leaves so useful?

​Why neem is so essential?

Neem also known as Azadirachta in english, is packed. In fact, neem leaves have been used as an active ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines. Apart from that, before it became a part of our culinary legacy, it was widely used for its medicinal purposes.

Neems leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins. Apart from that, the presence of antioxidants make these leaves a powerhouse. What’s more, chewing a few neem leaves daily can naturally balance your insulin level, improve your eyesight, keep at bay and improve.

Why Neem is used in several dishes?

Neem leaves help in improving the metabolic rate and can naturally detoxify your body. Apart from that, consuming a few neem leaves daily can also, this is one of the reasons why neem leaves paved their way to culinary culture. These leaves can also help in managing effectively and improves naturally.

Another reason why neem was used in our meals was due to their effectiveness in treating dental issues like deposition of germ causing cavities. According to experts, consuming neem leaves and extracts help in germs and naturally due to their properties. Here are a few neem recipes that you can make at home easily and give your body the boost of good.

​Neem Begun

Neem Begun is a traditional Bengali dish, which is made with brinjal tossed with some oil. Going by the traditional way of eating, this stir-fry neem recipe is relished with rice and it is served first. After eating this all other dishes are served.It is believed that eating this dish helps in better absorption of the meal.

To make this recipe, you need 3 tablespoons of mustard oil, 2 cup chopped brinjal, 2 green chilies, 1 cup fresh neem leaves, salt and turmeric.

Wash the leaves thoroughly under running water, drain the water and wait till the leaves dry.Next marinade the brinjal with turmeric and salt.

Take a pan and heat some oil, once the oil is hot enough, add in the neem leaves, fry till they turn crispy. Take them out and keep them on a plate. Then to the same pan add in some oil if needed, gently slide the chopped brinjal, cook them nicely. Once the brinjal is cooked and appears crispy, add in the chopped chilies along with the neem leaves. Season with salt and serve hot!

Note: You can also use cow ghee to amp up the value of this dish. There are several other ways of making this dish, but this is the most widely relished way of cooking Neem Begun.

Neem patta chutney

There are several variations of this delicious chutney, but this recipe is traditionally relished.To make this basic recipe, you would need 10-12 neem leaves, 4 teaspoon jaggery powder, 4-5 kokum, ½ teaspoon jeera, salt.

To make this easy recipe, wash the neem leaves nicely, drain the water.

In the meantime, add in the kokum, neem leaves, jeera, salt and jaggery to a blender and sprinkle some water. Make a smooth paste. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Take a small pan, add in one teaspoon coconut oil, add some mustard seeds, let them splutter. Then add in some curry leaves and 1 dry red chili. Make the tempering and pour it over the chutney. Enjoy!

​Neem Tea

If you are someone who doesn’t want to make much effort, but still wants to reap the benefits of these miraculous neem leaves. Then this easy recipe is for you! Made with the goodness of immunity boosting properties.

To make this easy tea, place a vessel with two cups of water, add 4-5 neem leaves and if you want to add some flavour to it add in 3 juliennes of ginger.

Let the water absorb of neem and the addition of ginger will add a punch of taste. Once the water turns green in colour and ½ teaspoon of green tea leaves. Turn off flame, using a strainer, pour the tea and add some honey. Indulge in the goodness of this herbal tea.