Mulangi Thoran Recipe – Radish Stir Fry with Coconut (Kerala Style)
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Diet: Vegetarian
Mulangi Thoran, also known as Radish Stir Fry with Coconut, is a delightful Kerala-style side dish that perfectly balances the rich, earthy flavor of radish with the aromatic depth of fresh coconut. This dish brings together the simplicity of spices and the richness of grated coconut, making it a staple in the traditional Kerala thali (meal). The ground coconut, combined with green chillies, curry leaves, and ginger, creates a flavorful and fragrant coating for the radish, while the mustard and cumin seeds add a subtle heat to the dish. Paired with steamed rice, dal, or rasam, Mulangi Thoran completes any meal in the most satisfying way.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mooli/Mullangi (Radish) | 2, julienned and steamed |
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 8 leaves (for tempering) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Curry Leaves (for grinding) | 2 sprigs |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for tempering) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Radish:
Begin by washing and peeling the radishes. Then julienne them into thin strips and steam them using a vegetable steamer. Once steamed, set them aside to cool slightly. -
Grind the Coconut Mixture:
In a blender or food processor, add fresh grated coconut, green chillies, curry leaves (for grinding), and chopped ginger. Blend everything together into a coarse paste, adding a little water if needed. Set this mixture aside. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle and release their aromas. As the seeds crackle, add the curry leaves and stir them for a few seconds until they crisp up. -
Cook the Radish:
To the tempered spices, add the steamed julienned radish. Stir gently to mix the radish with the oil and spices. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the radish to absorb the flavors. -
Add the Ground Coconut Paste:
Now, add the prepared ground coconut mixture to the pan. Stir well to coat the radish evenly with the coconut paste. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste, mixing everything together. Continue to stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the dish becomes fragrant. -
Final Stir-Fry:
Once the radish is fully cooked and the coconut paste is well incorporated, cook for another minute or two, ensuring everything is nicely fried and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust salt if needed. -
Serve:
Transfer the Mulangi Thoran to a serving bowl. Serve warm as a side dish with steamed rice, Dal Palak, or Mango Rasam for a complete Kerala-style lunch.
Tips for the Perfect Mulangi Thoran
- The key to a delicious Mulangi Thoran lies in using fresh coconut, which imparts an aromatic and creamy texture to the dish.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer green chillies based on your preference.
- If you don’t have access to fresh coconut, you can use desiccated coconut, though fresh is always preferred for the authentic flavor.
- Ensure the radish is steamed well but not overcooked; it should retain some crunch to provide texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Mulangi Thoran is best served with:
- Steamed Rice – A simple pairing that allows the flavors of the thoran to shine.
- Dal Palak – A nutritious and flavorful dal with spinach that complements the radish’s taste.
- Mango Rasam – A tangy, spiced soup that adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coconut in the thoran.
Mulangi Thoran is a wonderful side dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The delicate heat from the mustard and cumin seeds, combined with the aromatic freshness of coconut, makes this Kerala-style stir-fry a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for your next Kerala-inspired meal and indulge in the comforting flavors of South India!
