CABBAGE CARROT BEANS THORAN/PORIYAL

HOW TO MAKE CABBAGE CARROT BEANS THORAN/PORIYAL

INGREDIENTS:

For Cabbage, Caroot & Beans Thoran:

For Seasoning:

METHOD :

• Clean, shred and finely chop the Cabbage.
• Peel and finely chop the Carrots and Beans.
• Finely chop Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic & Ginger.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram/Urad Dhal and Curry leaves.
• Add finely chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic, Ginger and saute until shallots turn translucent.
• Add a pinch of Cumin seeds followed with finely chopped Cabbage, Carrots and Beans.
• Add a dash of Salt & a pinch of Sugar and give a quick stir.
• Cover and cook briefly.
• Add in grated Coconut and mix well.
• Cook for a while on a low flame.
• Serve Cabbage, Carrot & Beans Thoran/Poriyal as a side dish for any Curry of your choice/Sambar/Rasam/Curd.

NOTES :

• Can add a pinch of Turmeric if preferred.
• Some do not add Onions & Garlic while cooking for a Sadhya/Virundhu.
• Adding Garlic & Ginger is truly optional.
• Adding Sugar is purely optional.

CHAKKA KURU CHEERA THORAN

      Recently my Husband was speaking to his Mother, she was saying that she had cooked Chakka Kuru and Cheera Thoran.  She was selling off the recipe to him saying that it is one popular recipe in Kerala and how you need to slice the Jackfruit seeds for it etc., And as usual I knew my hubby is going to ask me for this recipe.  Luckily I had both the ingredients and the next day I went along to make this Thoran for the very first time.  Combination Thorans are quite prevalent in Kerala, and I was even amused by the combination of Red Bean & Plantain Flower Thoran, Green bean & Plantain Stem Thorans they used to serve at Shreedhareeyam Ayurvedic hospital. 

      This Thoran recipe is a simple Kerala Style stir-fry prepared with finely chopped Amaranth Leaves or Spinach & along with it goes thinly sliced Jackfruit Seeds alias Chakka Kuru.  This thoran is seasoned with mild spices and condiments and finally topped up with few spoons of grated coconut. Chakka Kuru and Cheera Thoran required two types of cooking, one for the Jackfruit Seeds, which has to be peeled, washed and cut into thin slices.  Jackfruit seeds need some extra cooking time whereas Amaranth Leaves can be cooked within minutes.  So I pre-cooked the Jackfruit seeds in a Pressure cooker for a whistle and then did the tempering, added the seasoning and cooked finely chopped Amaranth Leaves, finally I toss it up with pre-cooked Jackfruit seeds and finished cooking the Thoran with a few teaspoons of freshly grated coconuts.

     Though Onam seasons are not for Jackfruits, if you have some leftoverJackfruit seeds from last summer, then this Thoran is a wonderful add-on to your Sadhya Vattom.  Thoran/Upperi is a predominant Sadhya Item served along with various other dishes in a Kerala Sadhya(Banquet). This quick & easy Chakka Kuru and Cheera Thoran can easily be squeezed into your long list of Sadhya items.

• Cabbage Thoran
• Cabbage, Carrot & Beans Thoran
• Achinga Payar/Long Beans Thoran 
• Cheera/Spinach Thoran 
• Beetroot Thoran/Poriyal 
• Vendakka/Okra Thoran
• Pavakka/Bitter Gourd Thoran
• Cheru Payar Parippu/Yellow Moong Thoran
• Cheru Payar/Green Moong Thoran
• Kovakka/Ivy Gourd Thoran
• Padavalanga/Snake Gourd Thoran 
• Mathanga/Yellow Pumpkin Thoran 
• Vazhakoombu/Plantain Flower Thoran 
• Chena Thoran/Chena Upperi 
• Raw Papaya Thoran/Pappanga Thoran
  

HOW TO COOK CHAKKA KURU CHEERA THORAN

 

CHAKKA KURU CHEERA THORAN

INGREDIENTS:

To Cook the Jackfruit Seeds:

For Chakka Kuru Cheera Thoran:

For Tempering:

Mustard Seeds - 1 Tspn
Curry Leaves - 1 Sprig
Cumin Seeds - a Pinch.
Coconut Oil - 1 Tbspn.

METHOD:

To Cook the Jackfruit Seeds:

• Peel off the white shell from the Jackfruit Seeds.
• Soak the Jackfruit Seeds in Water for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
• Scrape out the brown skin from the Seeds(Soaking helps you to scrape out the skin easily)
• Cut the Seeds into small pieces, wash and keep it aside.
• Add Turmeric Powder to the Jackfruit Seeds, along with a dash of Salt and a pinch of Sugar.
• Cook this along with 1/2 Cup of Water until the Seeds turn soft.
• Alternatively, can cook the above ingredients in a Pressure Cooker for a whistle.
• Do not overcook the Jack fruit Seeds. 
  

For Chakka Kuru Cheera Thoran: 

CHAKKA KURU CHEERA THORAN

• Chop off the Roots from the Stalks.
• Clean and wash the Amaranth Leaves through running water for at least 3-4 times
• Drain the washed Amaranth Leaves in a colander and keep it aside.
• Finely chop the Amaranth Leaves and keep it aside.
• Finely chop Shallots, Green Chillies & Garlic.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds and Curry leaves.
• Add finely chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic and sauté until shallots turn translucent.
• Now add a pinch of Cumin seeds, followed with finely chopped Amaranth Leaves.
• Sprinkle Salt & Sugar and give a quick stir.
• Cover and cook briefly.
• Add in grated coconut and mix well.
• Cook Cheera Thoran/Spinach Stir Fry a while on a low flame.
• Finally, add pre-cooked Jackfruit seeds and give a quick stir. 
• Serve Chakka Kuru Cheera Thoran hot with steamed White Rice/Kerala Rose Matta Rice.
• Can be served along with any Curry and Rice, it goes well as a side dish with Moru Curry/Moru Kachiyathu.
• Can serve this Raw Papaya Thoran as one side dish in the long list of Sadhya Items or along with Kanji(Rice Porridge)/Paal Kanji.
  

NOTES:

• Can add a pinch of Turmeric to the Cheera Thoran, if preferred.
• Some do not add Onions & Garlic while cooking for a Sadhya.
• Adding Garlic & Cumin Seeds are truly optional.
• I have used Coconut Oil in the recipe, can use any other vegetable oil. 
  

RAW PAPAYA THORAN

    Raw Papaya fondly called as Pappanga, Kaplanga, Omakka colloquially in Malayalam is something you can get hold of, when you are in a mood for a different variety of Side Dish.  A Thoran or a Mezhukkupuratti or simply make a Salad out of it. 

    Raw Papaya has always been as deceiving as it is. Though not a common Vegetable used in most of the kitchens, it is always assumed to be some other vegetable unless otherwise mentioned, or if you are a food expert.  But I could never deceive my Son with this vegetable, smart enough eh?!!! When I make Raw Papaya Mezhukkupuratti, people at home had assumed it to be Potato & when I make a Thoran, it was thought to be Cabbage.  As is the deceiving nature of a Raw Papaya.  As a kid I have eaten these dishes always thinking it as Potato or Cabbage.  And have loved the mild sweetness from the Vegetable too.

    Growing up, revealed that it is a wonderful Vegetable with extraordinary medicinal values. And all the more the Papain in Raw Papaya helps to break down the tough Protein chains in meat, so it is widely used as a Meat Tenderizer. I store a few slices of Raw Papaya in the freezer, ready to be used as a Meat Tenderizer.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF RAW PAPAYA :

• Papaya is rich in Vitamins C & A and a good source of fibre.
• High vitamin C and Lycopene content found in Papaya can improve heart health and can also reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Fibre content acts as a perfect internal cleanser.
• It cleanses your digestive tract & colon and also helps to relieve constipation.
• Papaya is loaded with antioxidants.
• Antioxidants in Papaya may reduce cancer risk and can even slow down the progression of Cancer.
• Papayas are very high in Carotenoids that can reduce inflammation.
• Papayas are great for your skin too.       
  

     This Thoran recipe is a simple Kerala Style stir-fry prepared with finely chopped Raw Papaya seasoned with mild spices and condiments and finally topped up with few spoons of grated coconut. Thoran/Upperi is a predominant Sadhya Item served along with various other dishes in a Kerala Sadhya(Banquet). This quick & easy Raw Papaya/Pappanga Thoran can easily be squeezed into your long list of Sadhya items.

• Cabbage Thoran
• Cabbage, Carrot & Beans Thoran
• Achinga Payar/Long Beans Thoran 
• Cheera/Spinach Thoran 
• Beetroot Thoran/Poriyal 
• Vendakka/Okra Thoran
• Pavakka/Bitter Gourd Thoran
• Cheru Payar Parippu/Yellow Moong Thoran
• Cheru Payar/Green Moong Thoran
• Kovakka/Ivy Gourd Thoran
• Padavalanga/Snake Gourd Thoran 
• Mathanga/Yellow Pumpkin Thoran 
• Vazhakoombu/Plantain Flower Thoran 
• Chena Thoran/Chena Upperi
  

HOW TO COOK RAW PAPAYA/PAPPANGA THORAN/STIR-RAW PAPAYA

RAW PAPAYA THORAN

INGREDIENTS:

For Tempering:

METHOD:

RAW PAPAYA THORAN

 

• Peel, clean and wash the Raw Papaya.
• Cut it into halves and scoop out the tender seeds.
• Chop the Raw Papaya finely & keep it aside.
• Alternatively, can grate the Raw Papayas for this recipe.
• Finely chop Shallots, Green Chillies & Garlic.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves.
• Add finely chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic and sauté until shallots turn translucent.
• Add chopped Raw Papaya/Pappanga along with a dash of Salt & a pinch of Sugar.
• Sprinkle some water, cover and cook until the vegetable turns soft.
• Cook briefly for about 5-7 minutes on a medium-low flame.
  
• Add in grated Coconut and mix well.
  
• Cook for a while on a low flame.
• Do not overcook the Raw Papaya.
• Serve Raw Papaya Thoran hot with steamed White Rice/Kerala Rose Matta Rice.
• Can be served along with any Curry and Rice, it goes well as a side dish with Moru Curry/Moru Kachiyathu.
• Can serve this Raw Papaya Thoran as one side dish in the long list of Sadhya Items or along with Kanji(Rice Porridge)/Paal Kanji.
  

NOTES:

• Can add a pinch of Turmeric if preferred.
• Some do not add Onions & Garlic while cooking for a Sadhya.
• Adding Garlic is truly optional.
• I have used Coconut Oil in the recipe, can use any other vegetable oil.
  

BEETROOT PORIYAL

INGREDIENTS : 

For Seasoning :

METHOD : 

• Wash, clean and peel the Beetroots and finely chop them.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Urad Dhal, Dry Red Chillies and Curry Leaves. 
• Saute finely chopped Onions, Garlic Cloves and Green Chilies until onions turn translucent.
• Add Chopped Beetroots along with Turmeric, Salt, Sugar and give a quick stir. 
• Sprinkle some water and cook until they turn soft for about 4-5 minutes.
• Once the Beetroots are well cooked, sprinkle grated Coconut and mix well.
• Leave the Beetroot Poriyal on a low flame for about a minute.
• Serve Beetroot Poriyal along with Rice and any curry of your choice. Goes well with Chapathis too.

NOTES :

• You can finely chop the Beetroots or alternatively you can grate them for Beetroot Poriyal.
• Adjust the number of Green Chillies and Dry Red Chillies to your spice preference.
• Adding Sugar and grated Coconuts are totally optional.

KERALA STYLE FISH CURRY MEALS

    Yet another set of recipes for a simple SUNDAY LUNCH MENU.  As special as it is - a Weekend, a day of rest... turns out to be a day of work for women folk.  A good rest & a relaxed mode asks for good food, & the women folk has to get busy planning the meal, cooking & cleaning.  Kudos to all Working Women out there... I am always at awe with their effortless multitasking between work & home.  

    Though most of the Sundays goes by with a default Lunch with Meat, Fish or Seafood also takes over the show on some Sundays.  And when the craving for a typical Kerala Style Fish Curry Meals hits to the core, I plan ahead, buy fish & prawns, clean them and store it in the freezer.  Then it goes along with the typical Menu I cook while I make a Fish Curry Meals, which always comprises Fish Curry, Fish Fry, Prawns, a Vegetable Thoran, Chammanthi or Chammanthi Podi and will finish off the Lunch with Curd.  When it comes to Fish Curry Meals I always make Kerala Matta Rice & Steamed Tapiocas to go along with it.

    A complete meal without Fish, Rice and/or Tapioca is quite rare in Kerala.  One main reason behind this is the long coastline of the State, and availability of fresh catch.  Kerala Cuisine has a tradition of its own, with an extreme combination of a cultural mix of locals and tradesmen from Portugal.  Dishes made out of Fish are relished by Keralites, that it has become a speciality in the dynamic culture of ’God’s Own Country'.  On the long run, it took some twists and turns to suit the palate of Kerala culture enhancing and enriching the tastes and flavours of the fish curry.     

    Fish Curry Meals would be devoured heads down by a Keralite. My husband says that he has seen working women(in Cochin) buy a few fish on their way back home.  He would say, maybe they would make a simple Curry or a fry for dinner. The fact is he loves this idea, buying a fresh catch and cooking it up immediately.

     I had never been a fan of Fish Curry Menu when I was a kid. Least to mention, I used to hate eating Tapiocas & Matta Rice.  I never felt a Fish Curry meals special until I was living in India. One good reason behind that was we never got fresh catch in our area.  Whatever kind of fish we got in Coimbatore, all came from coastal areas of Kerala & Tamil Nadu.  But when we started living in Malaysia & as the place is so close to the coastal line, there was no lack of fresh catch. There we invented the taste & flavour of fresh seafood.  I & my husband recreated our love for seafood since then. And whenever I travel to Cochin, I never miss a chance of eating a Fish Curry meals.  During few of our visits, we have travelled around to have an elaborate Seafood spread at Kallu Shappu(Toddy Shop)served along with the local hooch.

    So whenever a craving for Kerala Style Fish Curry Meals hits, I prepare a combination of dishes like how they serve in a restaurant or go ahead making Kerala Style Pothi Choru(packaged Lunch) which is our another favourite.  So here goes a combination of dishes which can be easily prepared if you are planning for a Kerala Style Fish Curry Meals. 

For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA  click here...


Cuisine - Kerala
Menu - Lunch Menu
Difficulty - Medium
Author - SM

For more SUNDAY SPECIAL LUNCH MENU RECIPES, Click here...

This Kerala Style Fish Curry Meals consists of:

KERALA MATTA RICE

KAPPA PUZHUNGIYATHU

FISH CURRY WITH RAW MANGOES

NADAN FISH FRY

CHEMMEEN ULARTHIYATHU

CHEERA THORAN

UNAKKA CHEMMEEN PODI

• Kerala Matta Rice
• Kappa Puzhungiyathu/Boiled Tapioca
  
• Fish Curry with Raw Mangoes
  
• Kerala Style Nadan Fish Fry
• Prawns/Chemmeen Ularthiyathu
  
• Cheera Thoran(Stir-fried Spinach)
• Unakka Chemmeen Podi

KERALA STYLE FISH CURRY MEALS

 

KERALA STYLE NADAN FISH FRY

 
    This Nadan Fish Fry is one dish commonly served in a Fish Curry Meals.  Prepared in a typical Kerala style with local spices and undoubtedly fried in Coconut Oil gives an authentic touch to this Fish Fry. Fish is marinated with a ground paste which is a combination of Shallots, Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Chilli Powder and Turmeric with a drizzle of Lemon Juice.  Some recipes call for adding Tamarind Paste instead of Lemon Juice. This Nadan Style fish Fry is a spicy, tasty and flavour filled dish with a mild note of tanginess. 

MORU KACHIYATHU

CURD/YOGURT