Love and flavor are two of the most essential ingredients in any dish. If you're a food enthusiast, you're likely always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try out. And if you're looking for something that packs a punch in terms of taste, then look no further than Kerala's traditional thoran dishes.
Thoran: A Brief Overview
Thoran is a staple in many households across Kerala. It is a simple yet flavorful vegetable stir-fry that is typically made with grated coconut and spices. Thoran can be made with a variety of vegetables, such as beans, cabbage, carrots, and even jackfruit. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish with rice or enjoyed as a main dish on its own.
Thoran and Its Origin
Thoran has its roots in Kerala, a coastal state in southern India. Kerala is known for its abundance of fresh vegetables and spices, which are used liberally in the local cuisine. Thoran is a dish that has been passed down through generations in Kerala and is a staple in many households. It is a dish that is often made for festivals and special occasions and is also served in restaurants across the region.
Thoran Recipes
If you're looking to try your hand at making thoran, there are several recipes available online. The basic recipe for thoran involves sautéing chopped vegetables with grated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other spices. The dish is then finished with a sprinkle of roasted coconut and served hot. The variations of Thoran recipes are endless, with each household having its own unique recipe. But no matter the recipe, one thing is for sure - thoran is a dish that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Beetroot Thoran
Beetroot thoran is a nutrient-packed dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavors. To prepare this dish, start by grating fresh beets and setting them aside. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add urad dal, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the grated coconut and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the grated beetroot, salt, and turmeric powder, and let it cook until the beetroot becomes tender. Finish by squeezing some lemon juice, and serve hot with steamed rice. This dish has an earthy and mildly sweet taste.
Taste: earthy and mildly sweet
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
Carrots and Beans Thoran
Carrots and Beans Thoran is a simple yet flavorful dish packed with veggies. To prepare this dish, chop fresh carrots and beans into small pieces. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the chopped vegetables, turmeric powder, and grated coconut. Stir well and let it cook until the vegetables become tender. Finish by sprinkling some roasted coconut and serving hot with steamed rice. This dish has a crunchy and mildly spicy taste.
Taste: crunchy and mildly spiced
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 150
Cabbage Thoran
Cabbage thoran is a classic and nutritious dish that is both tasty and easy to make. To prepare this dish, shred fresh cabbage and set it aside. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and urad dal. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the grated coconut and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the shredded cabbage, salt, and turmeric powder, and let it cook until the cabbage becomes tender. Finish by sprinkling some roasted coconut and serving hot with steamed rice. This dish has a savory and slightly sweet taste.
Taste: savory and slightly sweet
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 90
Koon Thoran
Koon thoran is a unique and flavorful dish, perfect for mushroom lovers. To prepare this dish, slice fresh mushrooms and set them aside. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the sliced mushrooms, turmeric powder, and grated coconut. Stir well and let it cook until the mushrooms become tender. Finish by sprinkling some roasted coconut and serving hot with steamed rice. This dish has an earthy and mildly spicy taste.
Taste: earthy and mildly spicy
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
Vendakka Thoran
Vendakka thoran is a simple and delicious dish, perfect for okra lovers. To prepare this dish, chop fresh okra into small pieces and set it aside. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, urad dal, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the grated coconut and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the chopped okra, turmeric powder, and salt, and let it cook until the okra becomes tender. Finish by sprinkling some roasted coconut and serving hot with steamed rice. This dish has a crunchy and mildly spicy taste.
Taste: crunchy and mildly spiced
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 70
Idichakka Thoran
Idichakka thoran is a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for anyone who loves jackfruit. Start by cleaning and chopping fresh, tender jackfruit into small pieces and setting it aside. In a pan, heat some coconut oil and add curry leaves, urad dal, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add the grated coconut and sauté until golden brown. Add the chopped jackfruit and stir well. Add salt and turmeric powder, and let it cook until the jackfruit is tender. Finish with a sprinkle of roasted coconut and serve hot with steamed rice.
Taste: sweet and slightly tangy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 180
Mathanga Thoran
Mathanga thoran is a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for fall. To prepare this dish, start by peeling and chopping fresh pumpkin into small pieces. Then, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add curry leaves, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Next, add the chopped pumpkin, salt, and turmeric powder, and let it cook until the pumpkin becomes tender. Finish by sprinkling some roasted coconut and serving hot with steamed rice. This dish has a slightly sweet and mildly spiced taste, making it perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful yet not overpowering dish.
Taste: sweet and slightly spicy
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 100
Kerala's cuisine is truly a treasure trove of flavors and textures, and thoran dishes are a prime example of this. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, these seven thorans offer something for everyone. From the earthy and slightly sweet Beetroot Thoran to the crunchy and lightly spiced Carrot and Beans Thoran, each dish has its own unique mix of ingredients and flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. And with their simple yet nutritious recipes, these thorans are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So why not give them a try and experience the taste of Kerala with love?