Cabbage Thoran (Poriyal) Recipe
Cabbage Thoran, a delightful and nutritious dish from Kerala, embodies the essence of South Indian cuisine with its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This vegetarian dish, often served alongside rice and sambhar, showcases cabbage in a simple yet delectable manner. Below is the detailed recipe to guide you through the preparation of this beloved dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Green peas | 1/2 cup (optional) |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Mustard seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried red chili | 1 |
| White urad dal | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tsp (as needed) |
| Grated coconut | 5 tbsp |
| Small onions | 6, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, chopped |
| Green chili | 1, chopped |
| Curry leaves | 3 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 120 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
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Prepare the Coconut Mixture: Begin by adding the grated coconut, chopped small onions, garlic, green chili, and curry leaves into a mixer grinder. Blend them together to form a coarse paste. Set this mixture aside for later use.
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Cook the Lentils: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the white urad dal and sauté it until it turns a golden brown color. This step is crucial for enhancing the nutty flavor of the dish.
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Add the Spices: Next, add the mustard seeds to the pan. Allow them to splutter, which will release their essential oils and flavor. Follow this by adding the dried red chili, and cook for an additional 10 seconds to infuse the oil with its heat.
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Incorporate the Cabbage: Add the finely chopped cabbage to the pan and sauté until it becomes tender, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
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Mix in the Coconut Paste: Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the prepared coconut mixture along with salt and turmeric powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Final Cooking: Let the mixture cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit for a moment.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the Cabbage Thoran warm, ideally alongside mixed vegetable sambhar and steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Cabbage Thoran is not just a dish but a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques that exemplify Kerala’s culinary traditions. Its flavorful profile, combined with the health benefits of cabbage and coconut, makes it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this delightful recipe as part of your next lunch or dinner, and savor the authentic taste of South Indian cuisine!
