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Sattvic Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal – Healthy South Indian Stir-Fry (No Onion, No Garlic)

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Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal Recipe (No Onion and Garlic)

Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal is a simple yet flavorful South Indian stir-fried vegetable dish, commonly served as a side dish with the main course. This traditional recipe hails from Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Ayurvedic dietary tradition. A typical Poriyal is a delightful stir-fry made with fresh vegetables, tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, chana dal, and curry leaves. This particular recipe is made without onions and garlic, adhering to a No Onion No Garlic (Sattvic) diet, making it suitable for those following Ayurvedic or vegetarian principles.

Cuisine: South Indian

Course: Side Dish

Dietary Requirements: No Onion, No Garlic (Sattvic)


Ingredients for Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal

Ingredient Quantity
Carrot (Gajjar) 1, grated
Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) 2 cups, shredded
Curry leaves 8 leaves
Green Chilli 2, slit
Turmeric powder (Haldi) 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper powder 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds (Jeera) 1 teaspoon
White Urad Dal (Split) 1 teaspoon
Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) 1 teaspoon
Asafoetida (Hing) 1 pinch
Coconut Oil As required (for tempering)
Salt To taste

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 3-4


Instructions to Make Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal

  1. Tempering the Spices

    • Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add a little coconut oil to the pan.
    • Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for the seeds to splutter, releasing their fragrant oils.
    • Add the urad dal and chana dal. Stir the dal for a few seconds until they turn golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor to the poriyal.
  2. Add Aromatics

    • Add the curry leaves and asafoetida (hing) to the pan. Saute for another 30 seconds to allow the curry leaves to release their flavor and the hing to infuse the oil.
  3. Cook the Cabbage

    • Now, add the shredded cabbage to the pan. Season with salt and turmeric powder. Stir well to ensure that the cabbage is well coated with the tempering spices.
    • Cook the cabbage uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the cabbage starts to stick, you can sprinkle a little water to help it soften without burning.
  4. Add Carrot and Cook

    • Once the cabbage begins to soften, add the grated carrot to the pan. Mix it well with the cabbage and spices.
    • Sprinkle black pepper powder and add salt to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
  5. Final Cooking

    • Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, until the carrots are tender but still have a slight crunch.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve

    • Once the cabbage and carrot are cooked to your liking, switch off the heat.
    • Serve the Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal hot, garnished with a few extra curry leaves if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal makes an excellent side dish to accompany your main meal. For an authentic South Indian experience, pair it with steamed rice, Sambar, and a refreshing Pineapple Rasam. This combination makes for a complete, balanced meal filled with vitamins, minerals, and flavors.


Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 110 kcal
Protein 3g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 4g
Fat 4g
Sodium 210mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact portion sizes and ingredients used.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Healthy: This recipe features nutritious vegetables like cabbage and carrots, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. The addition of turmeric, curry leaves, and cumin adds a wealth of flavor without the need for onions or garlic.

  • Ayurvedic Benefits: Cabbage is known for its detoxifying properties, while carrots are rich in vitamin A, perfect for promoting eye health. The spices used in this recipe are known to aid digestion and balance the body’s energies according to Ayurvedic principles.

  • Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 35 minutes, this poriyal is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to make a quick yet wholesome dish.


By making this Cabbage and Carrot Poriyal, you can enjoy a delicious, guilt-free dish that’s both light and satisfying, suitable for various dietary needs. Its versatility as a side dish with a South Indian meal makes it an excellent addition to your recipe collection.

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