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Cabbage Thoran Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

Cabbage Thoran is a traditional Kerala-style dry vegetable stir-fry made with finely chopped cabbage, freshly grated coconut, and aromatic spices cooked in coconut oil. This flavorful and healthy dish is seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a spice paste that includes dry red and green chilies, cumin seeds, shallots, and turmeric, offering a perfect blend of taste and texture. It pairs excellently with steamed rice and curries, making it a staple in South Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 cups Cabbage (chopped very finely)
  • 4 Shallots (peeled)
  • 1 no Green Chilli
  • 1 no Dry Red Chilli
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves

Spices & Seeds

  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder (divided)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tsp Split Urad dal

Others

  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 cup Fresh Coconut (grated)
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare spice paste: Grind the shallots, green chilli, dry red chilli, cumin seeds, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and fresh grated coconut into a coarse paste and set aside.
  2. Temper the spices: Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, split urad dal, and curry leaves. Let them splutter and mix well to release their flavors.
  3. Cook cabbage: Add the finely chopped cabbage to the pan and toss it well in the tempered oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle ½ tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp salt over the cabbage, then pour ¼ cup of water. Mix thoroughly, cover the pan, and let it cook for 5 minutes on medium heat.
  4. Add spice paste and cook further: Uncover the pan, add the prepared coarse spice paste on top of the cabbage, gently mix to coat all pieces, and cover again. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the spices are well incorporated.
  5. Final stir fry: Remove the lid and stir fry the dish for a few minutes to evaporate any excess moisture and intensify the flavors. Serve hot with rice and your favorite gravy or curry.

Notes

  • Use fresh grated coconut for authentic flavor; frozen coconut can be substituted but may alter taste.
  • Adjust the number of green and dry red chilies based on your preferred spice level.
  • Cabbage should be finely chopped to ensure quick, even cooking.
  • Coconut oil is traditional and imparts characteristic aroma, but you can use other oils if needed.
  • This dish pairs best with steamed rice and lentil-based sambar or other Kerala-style curries.

Keywords: Cabbage Thoran, Kerala Thoran, Kerala Cabbage Stir Fry, South Indian Side Dish, Coconut Stir Fry, Vegetarian Indian Recipe

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cabbage-thoran-recipe/