Cabbage Palya Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Delight
Cabbage Palya is a comforting and aromatic dish from South India, featuring finely shredded cabbage cooked with a blend of spices, mustard oil, and fresh ingredients. This simple yet flavorful stir-fry is a great side dish to accompany steamed rice, sambar, or even chapattis. With the earthy flavor of cabbage and the richness of grated coconut, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
This recipe is vegetarian and provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal lunch or dinner option. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make this delightful South Indian dish in no time. Here’s how you can prepare it at home:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose), finely shredded | 2 cups |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 3/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 tablespoons |
| Green Chillies, chopped finely | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Curry leaves | Few |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Cabbage: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water comes to a boil, add the finely shredded cabbage and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes slightly transparent. Once done, drain the excess water using a colander and set the cabbage aside.
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Temper the Spices: Heat the mustard oil in a wide pan or skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. This will release the aroma of the mustard seeds.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), curry leaves, chopped green chillies, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the mixture for about a minute or until the garlic slightly changes color, releasing a beautiful fragrance.
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Cook the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan along with a tiny pinch of salt. Stir well and cook the onions until they turn a light golden brown. This process should take about 5 minutes.
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Add the Cabbage: Once the onions are golden, add the cooked cabbage to the pan. Season it with salt to taste and stir everything well. Allow the cabbage to cook until it starts drying out. This should only take a few minutes.
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Incorporate Tomatoes, Coconut, and Coriander: Now, add the chopped tomato, grated coconut, and chopped coriander leaves to the cabbage. Mix everything together, ensuring the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes become tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove from the heat. Serve the Cabbage Palya hot in a bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage Palya is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of mixed vegetable sambar. It also makes a great tiffin box dish, pairing wonderfully with chapattis. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a healthy way to enjoy cabbage with a burst of South Indian flavors. The mustard oil, curry leaves, and asafoetida enhance the natural flavor of the cabbage, while the fresh coconut and coriander provide a refreshing finish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
This simple Cabbage Palya is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy its warm, spiced goodness with your favorite South Indian sides and discover how easy it is to make this delicious vegetarian dish at home!
