Chow Chow Thoran Recipe: A Kerala Delight
Chow Chow Thoran, a traditional Kerala recipe, is a light and flavorful stir-fry made from chow chow (also known as chayote), a mild and crunchy vegetable. It is often paired with rice, sambar, and papad for a wholesome meal. This vegetarian dish is easy to make, healthy, and offers a perfect balance of textures with the subtle heat from green chilies and the richness from freshly grated coconut.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chow Chow (Chayote) | 3 (peeled and chopped) |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies | 2 (slit) |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Main Course (Lunch)
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prep the Chow Chow: Begin by peeling the chow chow and cutting it into small pieces. Place the chopped chow chow in a pressure cooker with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for about 2 whistles, and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Grind 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 together to form a coarse paste. Set this aside.
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Mix with the Cooked Chow Chow: Once the chow chow is cooked, add the coconut paste and salt to the vegetable. Mix well so that the flavors combine beautifully. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the tempering.
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Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil in a small pan for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the curry leaves and turmeric powder, mixing for 15 seconds to release their aroma.
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Combine and Serve: Pour the tempering over the chow chow mixture, and mix thoroughly. Your Chow Chow Thoran is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Chow Chow Thoran is traditionally served with mixed vegetable sambar, steamed rice, and crispy papad for a complete and satisfying meal. The mild flavors of the thoran complement the tangy sambar and the crunchiness of the papad, making it an ideal choice for lunch.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious dish that brings the authentic taste of Kerala right to your dining table!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
This Chow Chow Thoran recipe is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your main course, this Kerala-style thoran is sure to please your taste buds and provide a wholesome eating experience.
