Kerala Carrot Beans Thoran – Authentic Onam Sadya Side Dish Recipe

Carrot Beans Thoran Recipe – A Kerala Classic for Onam Sadya

Carrot and Beans Thoran is a delightful vegetarian dish hailing from the vibrant state of Kerala. With its rich flavors of fresh coconut, green chilies, and the distinct aroma of curry leaves, this simple yet flavorful thoran is an essential part of the Onam Sadya. It combines the natural sweetness of carrots and the crisp freshness of green beans, making it a perfect side dish to pair with other South Indian delicacies like sambar, rice, or even phulka.

In Kerala, thoran is a traditional stir-fry preparation that features a variety of vegetables. The addition of small pearl onions, mustard seeds, and white urad dal elevates this dish, giving it a wonderfully aromatic and savory flavor. While the classic combination uses carrots and beans, thoran can also be made with other vegetables such as cabbage, drumstick, spinach, and ladies finger (okra). Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion like Onam or as part of a regular meal, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients for Carrot Beans Thoran

This recipe calls for a blend of fresh and simple ingredients that work together harmoniously to create a delicious dish. The key to making this thoran truly special is the freshly grated coconut and the spices used to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Thoran Masala to be Ground

Thoran Vegetables

Seasoning Ingredients

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 4

Instructions for Preparing Carrot Beans Thoran

1. Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing the carrots and green beans thoroughly under running water. Chop them finely to ensure even cooking and a uniform texture in the thoran. Set them aside after chopping.

2. Pressure Cook the Vegetables: In a pressure cooker, add the chopped carrots and beans along with 3 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. It’s essential to release the pressure immediately to prevent the vegetables from discoloring.

3. Prepare the Thoran Masala: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the masala. In a mixer grinder, add the freshly grated coconut, chopped green chilies, and cumin seeds. Grind them together into a coarse paste. You do not need to add any water; the moisture from the coconut should be sufficient to create a textured masala. Set this mixture aside.

4. Temper the Spices: Heat the coconut oil (or regular oil) in a kadai or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add the white urad dal and allow it to fry until it turns golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to the thoran.

5. Saute the Aromatics: Next, add the finely chopped pearl onions and curry leaves to the kadai. Saute the onions until they become soft and translucent. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Once the onions are softened, add the turmeric powder and sauté for another 30 seconds.

6. Add the Ground Masala: Now, add the ground thoran masala to the kadai and sauté for a few seconds to let the flavors meld together. The coconut and spices will release an incredible aroma at this stage.

7. Mix in the Cooked Vegetables: Add the pressure-cooked carrots and beans into the kadai with the sautéed spices and masala. Stir everything well to combine. Adjust the salt as per your taste, adding more if necessary.

8. Cook and Serve: Stir the thoran for another minute to allow the flavors to come together. Once done, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Carrot Beans Thoran to a serving bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Beans Thoran is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of other South Indian meals. For a traditional Kerala Onam Sadya, serve it alongside Arachuvitta Sambar (a spiced lentil stew), Steamed Rice, and Pappadam. It can also be enjoyed with Phulka (Indian flatbread) or even packed in a lunchbox for a nutritious, wholesome meal.

The flavors of the thoran, which are earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet from the carrots, combine beautifully with the coconut and tempering, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Tips for Perfect Carrot Beans Thoran

• Vegetable Variations: While this recipe uses carrots and beans, you can switch these out for other vegetables like cabbage, spinach, or drumstick (moringa) for a different twist. The base recipe remains the same, and the flavor profile can change based on the vegetable used.

• Coconut Oil: Using coconut oil is traditional in Kerala cuisine and adds a distinct aroma and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with any mild-flavored oil.

• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a spicier dish, you can add an extra green chili or even a small piece of ginger while grinding the masala. You can also adjust the salt and turmeric to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Conclusion

This Carrot Beans Thoran is a wholesome, flavorful dish that beautifully represents the flavors of Kerala. The fresh coconut, aromatic spices, and the earthy vegetables make it a crowd-pleasing side dish for any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion like Onam or enjoying it as part of a regular weeknight dinner, this Kerala-style thoran is sure to be a hit.