Cabbage Thoran / Curry

Thoran is nothing but a curry prepared by Keralites using shredded coconut.

Few years ago 3 of our friends had been to a wedding in Kerala. We stayed in one of our keralite friend N's house. It was a small village and the house was in the midst of a small forest. The street was too narrow and was lined up with Jackfruit trees, Rubber trees on one side and houses on the other side. I was so thrilled and amazed to see Jackfruits hanging down to earth.

That was my first visit to a Keralite's house. There were so many dishes on the table prepared by N’s mom. We all had a special veggie day. Few things that caught my mind were Cabbage Thoran, Jackfruit chips, Papadam and Tea. I was confused seeing Tea on the table with meals. Yes, that is how it is. Anyway it had its own taste. Coming to Thoran, until I finished having it I did not know that it was made of Cabbage. It tasted heavenly. I then got the recipe from N’s mom. Whenever I prepare Cabbage thoran, I never forget to think about my friend N and her mom.

Ingredients:
Cabbage – 1 Small

To Grind:
Small Onions – 6
Garlic pods – 4
Ginger – ½“
Green Chilli – 4
Shredded Coconut – 6 Tsp
Cumin seeds / Jeera – 2 Tsp
Salt – As required

To Temper:
Red chilli – 2
Mustard seeds -1 Tsp
Curry leaves - Few
Turmeric – A pinch
Oil - 1 Tsp

Method:

1. Grind Small onions, Garlic pods, Green chilli, Ginger, Cumin seeds and Coconut together with salt.
2. Chop cabbage into small pieces.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow it to splutter.
4. Add red chilli, curry leaves and turmeric powder.
5. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for sometime ~ 10 minutes. Do not add water.
6. Do not overcook the cabbage. Once the cabbage becomes slightly soft (not too soft), add the ground ingredients.
7. Sauté for 5 minutes and switch off the stove.
8. Enjoy the taste.
   
   Thoran can be prepared with other vegetables too like beans.

Nutritional Fact:

• Cabbage - Rich in Vitamin C