This moringa leaves protein boosted rice transforms plain white rice into a higher protein meal with 8g protein per serving, quadrupling the protein content of regular white rice. Made with fresh drumstick leaves and chicken bone broth, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
4cups(230g)fresh moringa leaves - 230g, also called drumstick leaves, washed. I bought 1lb of leaves, and after cleaning, it came out to be about 230g.
For the Rice:
1cup(220g)Sona Masoori rice - uncooked, preferably basmati or sona masoori
2cups(480ml)chicken bone broth - or chicken stock
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
Take 1 lb of moringa leaves still on branches. Pluck the leaves from the branches by running your fingers down each stem. Separate the tender leaves from the branches, removing any small branches or thick stems. Keep only the soft leaves and very thin stems.
Wash the leaves 2 to 3 times in cold water, changing the water each time, until the water runs clear. Drain well in a strainer.
Rinse 1 cup Sona Masoori rice under cold running water 2 to 3 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. Drain well.
Cook the Rice:
Set your Instant Pot or pressure cooker to saute mode. Add the prepared 4 cups fresh moringa leaves directly to the pot and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The leaves will wilt and reduce to about half their original size. This step removes any bitterness and concentrates the nutrients.
Add the rinsed rice and 2 cups chicken bone broth to the pot. Stir gently to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and the moringa leaves are mixed throughout.
If using an Instant Pot, close the lid and set to Rice mode or Manual/Pressure Cook mode on high pressure for 9 minutes. If using a traditional pressure cooker, cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle, then reduce to low heat and cook for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Finish and Serve:
Open the lid carefully and fluff the rice gently with a fork. The moringa leaves should be evenly distributed throughout the rice, giving it a beautiful green color. Serve hot as a protein boosted base for your thali meal.
Protein Boost: This recipe transforms plain white rice by boosting protein to 8g per serving (130g), compared to regular white rice which has only 2g protein per same serving size. That's 4x the protein!Fresh vs. Dried Moringa: This recipe uses fresh moringa leaves for maximum nutrition and flavor. If using dried moringa powder, use 2-4 tablespoons and add it directly with the rice and broth (skip the sauteing step).Broth Options: Chicken bone broth adds extra protein (approximately 2 to 3g per serving), but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. The protein content will be approximately 5 to 6g per serving.Meal Prep Friendly: This protein boosted rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.Freezer Tips: Cool completely and freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.Serving Suggestions: Use this as a base for curry bowls, pair with dal and vegetables for a balanced thali, or serve alongside any protein curry for a complete meal. Each 130g serving provides a solid protein boost to help you meet your daily protein goals.Stovetop Method: If you don't have a pressure cooker, saute the moringa leaves in a pot, add rice and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender.
NUTRITION
Nutrition Facts
Moringa Leaves Protein Boosted Rice
Serving Size
1 serving (130g cooked rice)
Amount per Serving
Calories
146
% Daily Value*
Protein
8
g
16
%
Carbohydrates
28
g
9
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
0
g
0
%
Fat
1
g
2
%
Potassium
138
mg
4
%
Sodium
30
mg
1
%
Vitamin D
0
µg
0
%
Calcium
64
mg
6
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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