Cabbage thoran

Cabbage Thoran is a traditional dish from Kerala, a state in southern India. It is a simple stir-fry made with finely chopped cabbage, grated coconut, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is popular for its lightness, flavour and quick preparation. Thoran, in general, refers to any vegetable stir-fried with coconut and spices in Kerala cuisine. It stands out for its mild spiciness and delicious texture.

In Kerala cuisine, “Thoran” refers to a type of vegetable stir-fry that features grated coconut and spices, making it a staple in many households. Cabbage Thoran stands out for its ease of preparation that makes it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients of Cabbage Thoran

The main ingredient in this dish is cabbage, a vegetable rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Grated coconut, commonly used in South Indian cooking, is the other key ingredient. Coconut adds a creamy texture and a mild sweetness to balance the spices. Green chillies bring heat to the dish, and turmeric powder adds colour and health benefits. For tempering, use mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut oil to enhance the taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage Thoran is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fibre, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Coconut adds healthy fats, which help in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. The dish is lightly spiced, making it easy to digest. Since it is stir-fried rather than deep-fried, it retains the natural nutrients of the ingredients.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian recipes? Check out my collection of healthy and easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for everyday meals, from vibrant curries to satisfying stir-fries!

Serving Suggestions

You can serve Cabbage thoran as a side dish with steamed rice and lentil-based curries such as sambar or dal. It pairs well with a variety of South Indian dishes like rasam and aviyal. You can also serve it alongside chapatis or rotis for a light meal.

Cabbage Thoran is a healthy and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Kerala’s cuisine. The combination of cabbage, coconut, and spices creates a delicious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main meals. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavourful addition to a traditional Indian spread, its a perfect choice. Here’s a traditional recipe for Kerala-style Cabbage Thoran, a popular and simple stir-fry dish made with cabbage, coconut, and spices.

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Cabbage thoran

Print Recipe

Cabbage Thoran is a Kerala-style stir-fry made with finely chopped cabbage, coconut, and a blend of spices, including turmeric, and green chillies. This simple, healthy dish is served as a side with rice.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4

Author sumisculinarynotes

Ingredients

• 3 cups of finely shredded cabbage Approximately 285 gms
• ½ cup grated coconut
• 6-7 Shallots finely chopped
• 1-2 Green chillies finely chopped
• A few curry leaves
• 1 tsp urad dal whole or split
• ½ tsp Mustard seeds
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 2 Dry red chillies
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Add the finely shredded cabbage to a bowl, along with salt, shallots, green chillies, turmeric powder, 1 tsp coconut oil and grated coconut. Mix well and set aside.
• Heat coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add urad dal and saute until it turns golden brown. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add shallots, dry red chillies and curry leaves. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
• Add the finely shredded cabbage with spices. Stir well.
• Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not cover the pan.
• Continue cooking on low heat until the cabbage is cooked but still has a slight crunch. Adjust salt if needed.
• Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute.
• Enjoy the Cabbage Thoran with rice, sambar, or other Kerala-style curries.

Notes

Cook the cabbage uncovered to help prevent it from becoming soggy. By leaving the pan uncovered, excess moisture evaporates, allowing the cabbage to cook evenly and retain a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Stirring occasionally and cooking on medium heat also helps prevent overcooking.

Adjust the amount of green chilli based on your spice preference.

For extra flavour, use coconut oil when cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions