Cabbage and Carrot Thoran
Benefits:
- Cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and provide essential nutrients.
- This dish offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy vegetables with the added flavor of coconut and Indian spices.
- Curry leaves and other aromatic ingredients used in this dish may offer potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons oil (coconut oil is traditional)
- Salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage and grate or finely chop the carrots.
Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing).
Add Onion and Chilies: Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Add Vegetables: Add the finely chopped cabbage and grated carrots to the pan. Mix well with the sautéed onions and chilies.
Stir-Fry: Continue to stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Add Turmeric and Salt: Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the vegetables. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
Cook and Cover: Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the vegetables to cook through and meld with the flavors.
Add Coconut: Uncover the pan and add freshly grated coconut. Mix well with the cooked vegetables.
Curry Leaves: Add curry leaves to the pan and stir them in.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and spiciness according to your preference.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cabbage and carrot thoran as a side dish with rice and other Indian dishes.
TIPS
- Use freshly grated coconut for the best flavor. You can also use frozen grated coconut if fresh is not available.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of green chilies.
- Coconut oil adds an authentic flavor to this dish, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer.
- Serve this cabbage and carrot thoran as a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: ~100-150 (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: ~10-15g
- Protein: ~2-3g
- Fat: ~6-8g
- Fiber: ~4-5g