Kerala Style Chow Chow Thoran (Chayote Poriyal) Recipe

Chow Chow Thoran (Poriyal) Recipe

Chow Chow Thoran, also known as Chayote Thoran, is a delightful vegetarian Kerala dish that brings together the natural taste of chayote, fresh coconut, and a variety of spices. It’s a simple, yet flavorful dish that can be served with steamed rice, tomato rasam, mixed vegetable sambar, and elai vadam to make a wholesome, nutritious meal. This recipe for Chow Chow Thoran is perfect for anyone looking for a light and healthy option, yet full of authentic flavors from the Kerala cuisine.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Kerala

Course: Lunch

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chayote
   Begin by peeling the chayote (chow chow) and cutting it into medium-sized cubes. This is the base of your dish, and the chayote’s mild flavor will absorb the spices and coconut beautifully.

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2. Steaming the Chayote
   Next, you need to steam the chayote pieces until they are tender. You can do this by adding the chopped pieces to a pressure cooker with about 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Steam the chayote for 2-3 minutes in the cooker, or if you have a steamer, you can use it instead. The vegetable should be soft but not mushy.

3. Making the Coconut Mixture
   While the chayote is cooking, take a blender and make a coarse mixture with the grated fresh coconut, one sprig of curry leaves, the green chillies, and cumin seeds. The combination of coconut and spices is what makes this dish rich and aromatic. Set this coconut mixture aside for later.

4. Seasoning the Dish
   In a small frying pan, heat a teaspoon of oil. Add the mustard seeds to the pan and let them crackle. Once they start popping, toss in the remaining sprig of curry leaves and the turmeric powder. This quick seasoning will infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma.

5. Bringing it All Together
   After the chayote is cooked and the seasoning is ready, combine the coconut mixture with the steamed chayote in a bowl. Gently stir everything together, making sure that the coconut and spices coat the chayote evenly. Add the seasoning into the mixture and stir once more. Check the salt levels and adjust to taste.

6. Serving
   Your Chow Chow Thoran is now ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with a serving of steamed rice, tomato rasam, mixed vegetable sambar, and elai vadam for a complete meal. It’s a perfect vegetarian option that brings the flavors of Kerala right to your table.

Tips for Best Results:

• Adjust the number of green chillies depending on your spice preference.
• You can also substitute the fresh coconut with dried coconut if fresh is not available, but it will slightly change the texture and flavor of the dish.
• For added texture, you can lightly sauté the coconut mixture in a pan before mixing it with the steamed chayote.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Chow Chow Thoran is an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch, full of flavors and health benefits. It’s light, satisfying, and easy to prepare – making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meals.