Kerala student's exam answer sheet turns into a recipe everyone wants to try

Kozhikode: When Class II students at Thiruvangoor Higher Secondary School were asked to write about their favourite recipe during the recent Christmas examinations, most answers followed familiar lines. Seven-year-old Issa Sahrin of Class II B chose a different path.

Rather than opting for trendy favourites like sandwiches, burgers or doughnuts, the young girl chose a traditional dish close to home: moringa leaf curry (drumstick leaf curry). What stood out was not just the choice, but the way she described it. Issa laid out the method step by step, with the kind of detail that suggested more than textbook knowledge.

Issa’s answer caught the attention of teachers during a block-level meeting at Koyilandy, where it was mentioned as an example of originality. Those who read it said it made their mouths water, tempting them to head straight home and try out the recipe themselves.

Issa is the second of three children of Sajir Ali of Hayat House in Kolakkad Puthukkudipparamba, Puthukkad, and his wife Jesla, a nurse at Meitra Hospital.

When Issa’s answer sheet became a topic of discussion at home, her mother asked if she really knew how to cook. “Yes, Umma. I know how to make tea, lemonade and omelette,” Issa replied, leaving Jesla surprised.

Issa learnt cooking by watching her mother in the kitchen and also received guidance from her elder sister, Nasna Yusna, a Class VI student.

Here is Issa Sahrin’s drumstick leaf curry recipe, as described in her exam answer:

Drumstick leaf curry

Ingredients
Drumstick leaves, cleaned and separated
Jackfruit seeds
Salt, to taste
Turmeric powder
Chilli powder
Grated coconut, ground to a paste
Oil for tempering

Preparation
Wash the drumstick leaves thoroughly and separate them carefully
Clean the jackfruit seeds and boil them in a small amount of water until tender
Add salt, turmeric powder and chilli powder, and mix well
Stir in the ground coconut paste
Add the drumstick leaves and cook until just done
Prepare the tempering separately and pour it over the curry.

The drumstick leaf curry is ready to be served.