Cabbage Thoran
A simple Kerala stir-fry made with finely shredded cabbage, coconut, curry leaves, and mild spices. It cooks quickly, stays light, and brings fresh texture and gentle flavor to a South Indian meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the cabbage and coconut mixture.
1.Finely shred the cabbage and keep it loose, not packed.2.Chop the shallots finely and slit the green chili.3.Mix the grated coconut with turmeric powder and set it aside. - temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat coconut oil in a wide pan over medium heat.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.3.Add urad dal and cook until lightly golden.4.Add dried red chili and curry leaves and stir for a few seconds.TIPKeep the heat medium so the mustard seeds crackle without burning the urad dal. - saute · ~3 min
Cook the shallots and chili.
Add the shallots and green chili to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots soften and smell sweet, but do not brown them deeply.
- saute · ~6 min
Cook the cabbage.
1.Add the shredded cabbage and salt to the pan.2.Mix well so the tempering coats the cabbage evenly.3.Cover and cook on low heat until the cabbage is just tender, stirring once or twice.TIPDo not add water. The cabbage should cook in its own moisture and stay lightly crisp. - mix · ~3 min
Mix in the coconut.
Add the coconut mixture and toss gently for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is well combined and the raw edge of the coconut fades. Keep the thoran dry and fluffy.
- serve
Serve hot or warm.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Shred the cabbage very fine so it cooks quickly and mixes evenly with the coconut.
- 2Use a wide pan rather than a deep pot so the thoran stays dry instead of steaming.
- 3Let the mustard fully splutter before adding urad dal, or the tempering will taste raw.
- 4Cook the cabbage only until just tender; it should still have a slight bite, not turn soft.
- 5Add the coconut near the end and toss gently so it stays fluffy and does not become greasy.
- 6If your cabbage releases too much moisture, uncover the pan for the last minute to dry it out.
- 7This dish reheats well; warm it briefly in a pan, not too long, so the cabbage keeps texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Carrot-cabbage
Replace part of the cabbage with grated carrot for a sweeter, more colorful thoran that still keeps the classic coconut tempering.
jainJain
Skip the shallots and increase curry leaves and green chili slightly for a no-onion version that still tastes balanced.
mildMild
Reduce the green and dried red chilies for a gentler version that pairs well with spicy sambar or rasam.
beans thoran styleBeans-thoran-style
Use finely chopped beans instead of cabbage and cook a little longer for another classic Kerala-style coconut stir-fry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Fiber-Rich Vegetable Side
Cabbage adds bulk and fiber, making this a light but satisfying side dish for rice-based meals.
Plant-Based Fats
Fresh coconut and coconut oil contribute richness, helping the dish feel filling without heavy gravies.
Includes Aromatic Spices
Curry leaves, chilies, mustard seeds, and turmeric bring flavor depth so the dish needs only a small ingredient list.
Frequently asked questions
Usually the pan was too crowded, the heat too low, or the lid stayed on too long. Use a wide pan and cook uncovered at the end if needed.
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