Beans Thoran and Cabbage Thoran

Thoran is a relatively easy to make side-dish (typically dry) which is often served as part of Sadhya  (Onam meal). My personal favourites are Green Beans Thoran and Cabbage Thoran. It helps that my English hubby, who happens to be a fan of Indian food in general, loves them too. Here are the recipes:

Beans Thoran

Ingredients:
500g Beans
100g grated coconut (I often use Sainsbury's un-sweetened dessicated coconut)
1 Onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 sprig of fresh curry leaves ( dry leaves can also be used and if available at most supermarkets)
Mustard seeds
1 tsp chili powder ( add more if you like it spicier)
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
3 pods fresh garlic
2 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp oil ( use coconut or sunflower oil)

Method:
Splutter the mustard seeds. Add curry leaves and onion and fry till onions translucent. Add the spices and beans cook for another 5 mins. Add ginger, garlic and coconut. Cover and continue to cook until the beans are fully cooked. Halfway through add a bit of the tomato ketchup. It gives it that sweet/sour taste that perfectly complements the beans. Your thoran is now ready to serve.

Cabbage Thoran

Ingredients:
1 medium size cabbage
100g grated coconut (I often use Sainsbury's un-sweetened dessicated coconut)
1 Onion, finely chopped

1 sprig of fresh curry leaves ( dry leaves can also be used and if available at most supermarkets)
Mustard seeds
1 tsp chili powder ( add more if you like it spicier)

0.5 tsp turmeric powder
3 pods fresh garlic
2 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp oil ( use coconut or sunflower oil)

Method:
Splutter the mustard seeds. Add curry leaves and onion and fry till onions translucent. Add the spices and shredded cabbage cook for another 5 mins. Add ginger, garlic and coconut. Cover and continue to cook until the cabbage is cooked and looks translucent. Your cabbage thoran is now ready.