Kerala Style Cauliflower Thoran Recipe
Description:
Thoran is a quintessential dish from the South Indian state of Kerala, known for its simplicity and vibrant flavor profile. This recipe features tender cauliflower florets sautΓ©ed with fresh coconut, mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, resulting in a dish that is aromatic and full of contrasting textures. Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, cauliflower is the star of this dish, making it a nutritious and wholesome addition to any meal. Whether served as a side dish or paired with steamed rice or chapati for a satisfying main course, Kerala Style Cauliflower Thoran is a delightful and healthy choice for any occasion. Itβs quick to prepare, easy to make, and requires only a few basic ingredients. For variety, you can substitute cauliflower with other fresh vegetables like cabbage, beans, carrots, or leafy greens. If you like a more complex flavor, feel free to add ginger and garlic to elevate this dish further.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (Gobi), finely chopped | 1 medium-sized cauliflower |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions), finely chopped | 10 small onions |
| Coconut oil | 1 tablespoon |
| White urad dal (split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 12 leaves, torn |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Green chillies, finely chopped | 4 green chillies |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil: Start by heating the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
-
Temper the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds. Then, add the cumin seeds and white urad dal. Allow them to crackle until the dal turns golden brown.
-
SautΓ© Onions and Chillies: Add the finely chopped pearl onions, green chillies, and curry leaves to the pan. SautΓ© for a few seconds or until the onions turn soft and translucent.
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Add Turmeric and Cauliflower: Stir in the turmeric powder, followed by the chopped cauliflower florets. Mix well to coat the cauliflower evenly with the spices.
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Cook the Cauliflower: Add salt to taste and cook the mixture covered on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. If needed, sprinkle a little water to prevent the dish from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Add Fresh Coconut: Once the cauliflower is cooked through, add the grated fresh coconut to the pan. Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the salt or spices if necessary, and turn off the heat.
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Serve: Transfer the Cauliflower Thoran to a serving bowl. Serve hot with steamed rice or chapati, and pair it with a side of mixed vegetable sambar for a complete South Indian meal.
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Style Cauliflower Thoran:
- If you prefer a slightly spicy dish, feel free to add a few extra green chillies or a pinch of red chili powder.
- For an added depth of flavor, consider adding finely grated ginger and garlic when sautΓ©ing the onions and curry leaves.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with other South Indian staples like Sambar and Rice, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
- If you’re looking for variety, try swapping out cauliflower with other vegetables like cabbage, beans, or carrots for a different take on this dish.
