Beetroot Thoran
Description:
Thoran is a quintessential Keralite dry vegetable dish, typically made with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, beans, and beetroot, combined with a generous amount of grated coconut. This popular dish is a key part of the Onam Sadhya feast and is enjoyed as a side dish with daily meals in Keralite households. The charm of this dish lies in the meticulous chopping of ingredients by skilled hands.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 500 grams Beetroot (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 cup Fresh coconut (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
- 2 Dry Red Chillies (broken)
- 2 Green Chillies (slit)
- 1 tablespoon White Urad Dal (Split)
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- Salt (as required)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Coriander Powder (Dhania)
- Coconut Oil (as required)
- 1 cup Water
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Sauté Beetroot:
In a non-stick wok, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and sauté the finely chopped beetroot for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of water (or more if needed) and cook the beetroot with the lid closed until it becomes soft. Turn off the heat and drain the water. You can collect this water and use it for making curry or stew. -
Prepare Seasoning:
In the same wok, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and dry red chilies. Sauté until the mustard seeds crackle. -
Combine Beetroot and Spices:
Add the cooked beetroot to the seasoning and sauté for a few more minutes, allowing the moisture to reduce. Then, add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Stir well, adjust the oil if needed, and cover the wok. Cook for another 5-6 minutes to blend the flavors. -
Grind Coconut and Green Chilies:
While the beetroot cooks, add the coconut and green chilies to a mixer and grind them coarsely. -
Finish the Dish:
Once the beetroot thoran is ready, turn off the heat. Garnish with the freshly ground coconut and chili mixture.
Serve this flavorful Beetroot Thoran with hot steamed rice and keerai sambar for a perfect South Indian meal!
