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A simple and nutritious Kerala-style stir-fry made with finely chopped spinach, grated coconut, and fragrant spices. This classic side dish is ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice and sambar.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Coconut Mixture
Temper the Spices (Tadka)
Cook the Spinach
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A simple and nutritious Kerala-style stir-fry made with finely chopped spinach, grated coconut, and fragrant spices. This classic side dish is ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice and sambar.
This kerala recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 212.28 calories per serving with 5.36g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Combine and Finish
Replace spinach with other greens like amaranth leaves (cheera), kale, or finely chopped cabbage. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooked moong dal or toor dal along with the spinach for extra protein and texture.
Create a mixed vegetable thoran by using finely chopped carrots, green beans, and cabbage instead of spinach.
Add a tiny pinch of jaggery or sugar at the end of cooking to balance the flavors, especially if the spinach is slightly bitter.
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K, which support bone health, vision, and immune function.
Coconut provides healthy medium-chain fatty acids, and the high fiber content from both spinach and coconut helps in managing cholesterol levels.
The dish is rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. Spices like cumin also aid in digestive processes.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Garlic and spinach also contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the dish.
Cheera Thoran is a traditional Kerala side dish made by stir-frying finely chopped spinach (cheera) with a mixture of grated coconut, shallots, and spices. It's a dry preparation, typically served with rice and other curries.
Yes, it is very healthy. Spinach is packed with iron, vitamins A, C, and K. Coconut provides healthy fats and fiber. The use of minimal oil and fresh spices makes it a nutritious, low-calorie dish.
One serving (about 120g) contains approximately 130-150 calories, primarily from the coconut and oil. It is a light and healthy side dish.
Yes, you can use frozen chopped spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the pan. This is crucial to prevent a soggy thoran.
You can substitute shallots with about 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that is more traditional, but red onion works well as an alternative.
Store leftover Cheera Thoran in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.