Cabbage Thoran: a classic vegetarian dish from Kerala, South India

Cabbage Thoran (Kerala-Style Cabbage Stir-Fry)

Servings: 3–4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: South Indian (Kerala)

Course: Side dish

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✅ Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 2 green chilies, slit or finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

For the Coconut Mixture:

• 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

• 2–3 garlic cloves (optional)

• 2 dried red chilies (adjust to heat preference)

(Optional: coarsely grind or crush these together without adding water.)

For Tempering:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil (traditional choice) or vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 sprig curry leaves

• 1–2 dried red chilies (broken)

• A pinch of hing (asafoetida) – optional

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🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Coconut Mixture

• In a mortar-pestle or small mixer jar, crush/grind:

  • 1/2 cup grated coconut

  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

  • 2 red chilies

  • 2–3 garlic cloves (if using)

• Keep the mixture coarse—not a fine paste.

2. Cook the Cabbage

• In a pan or kadai, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil.

• Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

• Add curry leaves, dried red chilies, and a pinch of hing.

• Add chopped onions (if using) and green chilies. Sauté until the onion softens.

• Add shredded cabbage, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.

3. Add Coconut Mix and Cook

• Reduce heat to low.

• Add the prepared coconut mixture.

• Stir everything to combine.

• Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Do not overcook—the cabbage should be tender but still slightly crunchy.

4. Final Touch

• Once cooked, remove the lid and stir-fry for 2 more minutes on medium-high heat to evaporate any excess moisture.

• Taste and adjust salt.

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🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot as a side with steamed rice and sambar, rasam, or moru curry (buttermilk curry).

• Can also accompany chapati or paratha for a light meal.

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💡 Tips

• Use fresh coconut for authentic taste; frozen coconut is also fine if fresh is unavailable.

• Do not add water while cooking the cabbage—its own moisture is sufficient.

• For a no-onion version, skip onion and just use green chilies.