Smriti Irani's drumstick and masoor dal soup recipe looks delicious: 'Most iron-rich soup you can have as a vegetarian'

Smriti Irani's drumstick soup can be a game-changer for vegetarians trying to boost iron levels. Plus, it's easy to cook with simple ingredients – full recipe.

In a world of expensive supplements and complex superfoods, BJP leader Smriti Irani is leaning back into traditional Indian kitchen wisdom to tackle a widespread health issue: anaemia, a condition marked by a shortage of red blood cells or hemoglobin.

Smriti Irani shared that moringa and red lentils pack a punch with iron, making this soup perfect for tackling anaemia. (File Photo and Freepik)

During a 2024 interview with Curly Tales, Smriti Irani highlighted a simple, vegetarian-friendly soup designed specifically to boost iron levels and combat blood deficiencies.

"Many women say they have anaemia and all these problems," she shared, pointing to a common health struggle across the country. Her solution? A potent combination of drumsticks (moringa) and red lentils (masoor dal).

Why this soup is a healthy choice for you

Her soup recipe isn't just a comfort meal; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Often called a 'miracle tree', moringa pods are packed with iron and vitamin C, which help the body actually absorb that iron, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Masoor dal is a staple protein source that provides a steady release of energy and a significant dose of plant-based iron, as per a 2019 study published in PubMed Central.

By simmering these with ginger and turmeric, you aren't just making a meal — you're creating what Smriti calls 'the most iron-rich soup that you can have if you are a vegetarian'. If you’re looking to naturally boost your blood health using common kitchen staples, here is the breakdown of how to recreate this soup at home.

Here is the full recipe for Smriti Irani’s iron-boosting soup:

Ingredients

⦿ Drumsticks: 3–4 pieces (cleaned and cut into lengths)

⦿ Red lentils (Masoor dal): A small handful (washed)

⦿ Aromatics: 1 small onion, 1 tomato, a knob of ginger, and 2–3 cloves of garlic

⦿ Vegetables: a few green beans (for extra fibre)

⦿ Spices: rock salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and a pinch of red chilli powder

Method

⦿ Roughly chop the onion, tomato, ginger, and garlic.

⦿ In a pressure cooker or deep pot, combine the drumsticks, masoor dal, and the chopped aromatics. Add the green beans for extra texture.

⦿ Add the turmeric, rock salt, and red chilli powder. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients generously.

⦿ Let the mixture boil until the dal is soft and the drumsticks are tender. If using a pressure cooker, 2–3 whistles should suffice.

⦿ You can choose to strain the mixture for a clear broth or blend the dal and aromatics (removing the woody drumstick skins first) for a thicker, heartier consistency. Season with fresh black pepper before serving hot.

Whether you are battling fatigue or simply looking for a warm, nutritious addition to your dinner routine, this soup offers a practical, budget-friendly way to maintain your iron levels.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.