Chow Chow Thoran Recipe (Kerala Style)
Description:
Chow Chow Thoran is a traditional and popular Kerala recipe where the humble chow chow (also known as chayote) is cooked with freshly grated coconut, green chilies, and a few everyday spices. This delightful dish is not only bursting with flavor but is also a healthy option for your lunch. Thoran, a type of stir-fried dish, can be made with various vegetables, and this chow chow version is a wonderful blend of health and taste.
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chow Chow (Chayote) | 3 medium-sized pieces |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies | 2 pieces |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Preparation of Chow Chow:
- Peel the chow chow (chayote) and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Place the chopped chow chow in a pressure cooker with about 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cook for 2 whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Grinding the Coconut Mixture:
- While the chow chow is cooking, add the grated coconut, curry leaves, green chilies, and cumin seeds into a blender.
- Grind these ingredients into a smooth paste. Set this mixture aside.
-
Mixing the Grinded Coconut:
- Once the pressure cooker has cooled down, open the lid and add the ground coconut mixture to the cooked chow chow.
- Add salt to taste and mix everything well. Set this aside for a moment.
-
Tempering (Tadka):
- Heat some oil in a small pan (tadka pan).
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Next, add the curry leaves and turmeric powder, stirring for about 15 seconds to release the flavors.
- Pour this tempering over the chow chow mixture and mix thoroughly.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Chow Chow Thoran hot, as a side dish with mixed vegetable sambar, rice, and crispy papad for a complete and delicious Kerala-style lunch.
This Chow Chow Thoran is a wonderful combination of vegetables and spices, creating a wholesome meal that’s perfect for lunch. You can serve it with steamed rice, sambar, and papad to enjoy the true flavors of Kerala. It’s not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a healthy weekday meal!
