Carrot Beans Thoran Recipe – A Traditional Kerala Delight for Onam Sadya
Carrot Beans Thoran, also known as Carrot and Beans Stir-fry, is a popular Kerala dish often served during festive occasions like Onam Sadya. This vibrant and nutritious vegetable dish, made with fresh carrots, green beans, and coconut, is seasoned with fragrant spices, making it a delightful addition to any traditional South Indian meal. Easy to prepare yet bursting with flavors, this vegetarian recipe can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, sambar, and phulka. Let’s delve into the preparation of this ultimate comfort food from Kerala!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Green chillies (roughly chopped) | 2 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 3, chopped |
| Green beans (French Beans) | 1 cup, chopped |
| Coconut oil (or regular oil) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions), finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 35 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Kerala Recipes
Course:
- Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the carrots and green beans thoroughly under water. Chop them finely for a uniform texture.
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-
Cook the Vegetables: In a pressure cooker, add the chopped carrots and beans along with a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles and turn off the heat. Immediately release the pressure to prevent the vegetables from discoloring. Set the vegetables aside for the thoran.
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Prepare the Thoran Masala: In a mixer grinder, add the grated fresh coconut, chopped green chillies, and cumin seeds. Grind these ingredients into a coarse mixture without adding any water. Set this thoran masala aside.
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Tempering: Heat the coconut oil (or regular oil) in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and white urad dal. Allow them to crackle and roast lightly.
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Saute the Aromatics: When the urad dal turns golden brown, add the finely chopped pearl onions and curry leaves. Sauté these ingredients until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Add Spices and Masala: Stir in the turmeric powder and the ground thoran masala into the kadai. Sauté everything together for a few seconds to release the aromas.
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Combine with Vegetables: Add the steamed carrots and beans to the kadai, mixing them thoroughly with the masala. Stir well, checking the salt and adjusting it as per your taste.
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Final Stir: Stir the mixture for about a minute, ensuring all the vegetables are well coated with the spiced coconut masala. Turn off the heat.
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Serve: Transfer the Carrot Beans Thoran to a serving bowl. Serve it hot alongside Arachuvitta Sambar and steamed rice for a traditional South Indian lunch. It also makes an excellent addition to kids’ lunch boxes when paired with Phulka and yogurt.
Tips for the Best Carrot Beans Thoran:
- Variation: You can add other vegetables like cabbage or drumstick to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Oil Choice: Coconut oil adds an authentic flavor to this dish, but if you prefer, you can use regular vegetable oil.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green chillies based on your preference for spice.
Carrot Beans Thoran is not only a healthy and light dish but also an essential part of the Onam Sadya, the traditional Kerala feast. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this thoran is perfect for any meal, offering a flavorful and nutritious complement to your plate. Enjoy this vibrant dish with your loved ones for a taste of Kerala’s finest culinary traditions!
