Kovakka Thoran
A simple Kerala-style stir-fry made with tender kovakka, coconut, and a light tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. It is mildly spiced, quick to cook, and pairs beautifully with rice and dal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Slice the kovakka and prep the other ingredients.
1.Wash the kovakka well, trim the ends, and slice it thinly.2.Finely chop the shallots and slit the green chili.3.Grate the coconut if using fresh coconut pieces. - temper · ~4 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 curry leaves, green chili, and shallots, then sauté until the shallots soften.TIPKeep the heat medium so the urad dal turns golden without burning. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the kovakka.
1.Add the sliced kovakka to the pan and mix well with the tempering.2.Add turmeric powder and salt, then toss to coat evenly.3.Sprinkle in the water, cover, and cook until the kovakka turns tender but not mushy.4.Open the lid and stir once or twice to dry any extra moisture.TIPSlice the kovakka evenly so it cooks at the same pace and stays lightly crisp. - mix · ~2 min
Add the coconut and finish the thoran.
Add the grated coconut and mix gently for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Do not overcook after adding the coconut.
- serve
Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide pan so the kovakka cooks in a thin layer and dries properly instead of steaming.
- 2Slice the ivy gourd thin and evenly; thicker pieces stay undercooked while the thin ones turn too soft.
- 3Let the mustard seeds fully splutter before adding urad dal, or the tempering will taste raw.
- 4Cook the urad dal only to light golden; darker than that can make the thoran taste bitter.
- 5Add just the 2 tablespoons of water and no more unless needed, because thoran should stay dry and fluffy.
- 6Mix in the grated coconut at the very end and heat briefly to keep its fresh sweetness and texture.
- 7Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a day; reheat uncovered in a pan so the coconut stays dry, not soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce the coconut oil slightly and use a good nonstick or seasoned pan; ideal if you want a lighter everyday side while keeping the same flavors.
spicierSpicier
Add an extra green chili or finely chop the chilies instead of slitting them for more direct heat throughout the thoran.
onion freeOnion-free
Skip the shallots and increase curry leaves slightly; useful for a simpler, more austere version that still tastes traditional.
garlic coconutGarlic-coconut
Pulse the grated coconut with a small clove of garlic and mix it in at the end for a bolder home-style variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Fiber-Rich Vegetable Side
Ivy gourd and fresh coconut make this a satisfying vegetable dish that adds fiber and texture to a simple rice-and-dal meal.
Plant-Based Ingredients
This thoran is built entirely from vegetables, coconut, spices, and lentils, making it a naturally plant-based accompaniment.
Includes Beneficial Spices
Turmeric, curry leaves, green chili, and mustard seeds add aroma and phytonutrients while keeping the dish flavorful without heavy sauces.
Frequently asked questions
It should be tender enough to bite easily but still hold its shape. The slices should not look watery or collapse into a mush.
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