Cabbage Thoran

Cabbage Thoran is the heart of Kerala Cuisine. Any Kerala Sadhya is incomplete without Cabbage Thoran. Cabbage Thoran is a stir fry made using cabbage and coconut. You can prepare the thoran using cabbage, or a combination of cabbage and carrot, or even cabbage, carrot and capsicum.

There are many different ways to prepare a thoran. Some use onions while others use shallots. Some add garlic and ginger, while others like it plain.

Half of one medium sized cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup Sliced Shallots (Kunjulli/Pearl Onions)
1 Cup Grated Coconut
4 or 5 cloves Finely chopped Garlic
1/4 tsp Grated Cumin (Jeera)
3 or 4 Green Chillies, slit (optional)
pinch Turmeric (or up to 1/2 tsp)
Salt As Required
2 tbsp Oil
1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
sprig Curry Leaves

Mix together coconut, turmeric powder, shallots, cumin, garlic and green chillies using hands or you can coarsely grind everything together.

Combine the cabbage with some salt.

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add curry leaves and saute for a minute.

Add the shredded cabbage and saute for 2 minutes.

Next add the coconut mixture and combine everything together.

Cover the pan and cook on low flame, stirring occasionally. Do not add water while cooking cabbage.

After 6-8 mins, the cabbage will be cooked. Remove the lid and stir fry for another 4-5 minutes so that the cabbage is crunchy and not soggy.

From: Kerala Recipes