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. Cabbage, coconut, and spices combine to create a delicious side dish that complements 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.
Try our comforting elephant yam kootu—a hearty, protein-rich side that pairs perfectly with rice!
Cabbage thoran
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabbage Thoran is a traditional Kerala-style stir-fry made with finely chopped cabbage, grated coconut, and spices like turmeric and green chillies. It’s a simple side dish served with rice.
Traditionally, Kerala cuisine uses coconut oil for its authentic flavour, but you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil.
Green chillies add heat to the mildly spiced Cabbage Thoran. You can adjust the number of chillies to suit your spice preference.
Yes, you can make a variation without coconut, but the traditional flavour and texture come from the grated coconut. You can substitute grated coconut with finely ground peanuts for a different taste.
To keep the cabbage tender yet crisp, stir-fry it on medium heat without covering the pan. Avoid overcooking, as cabbage cooks quickly.
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on low heat before serving.
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