Cabbage Masala Thoran

Thoran is a Kerala dish prepared with chopped vegetables and grated coconut.  It is typically prepared with any of the commonly available vegetables such as carrots, beans, spinach (cheera), or cabbage.  Masala thoran is a spicier version of this traditional dish.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
1 teaspoon Urad Dal
2 to 3 Dry Red Chillis
1 small sized Onion, chopped
1 Green Chilli
5 or 6 Curry leaves
1 tablespoon coriander leaves
1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
2 teaspoon Moong Dal
1/4 cup grated Coconut
3 or 4 Pearl Onions
2 cups Cabbage finely chopped
Salt to taste
2 tablespoon Coconut Oil/Canola Oil

Ingredients for Masala

2 tablespoon Dry Corriander Seeds
1 tablespoon Channa Dal
1 tablespoon Urad Dal
2 to 3 Dry Red Chillis
1 teaspoon Oil

Preparation for Masala

1. Roast all the ingredients for the masala in 1 teaspoon oil for 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Remove from fire.  Let it cool. Crush to a find powder.  Keep Aside.

Preparation for Cabbage

1. Soak moong dal for 1/2 hour; keep aside.
2. Grind grated coconut, pearl onions, corriander leaves. Keep aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoon coconut oil in a pan.
4. Add mustard seeds, urad dal and dry red chilli to the oil.  Saute till mustard seeds start to break up.
5. Add chopped green chilli.
6. Add chopped onions and saute till transparent.
7. Add curry leaves, turmeric powder.  Saute for 1 or 2 minutes.
8. Add grated cabbage, mix well. Saute till cabbage for 5 to 6 minutes.
9. Add soaked moong dal.
10. Cover and cook for a 1 to 2 minutes.
11. Add salt to taste, add the coconut mixture.
12. Add 1 teaspoon of the prepared masala.
13. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with corriander leaves.

Tip: Prepare the same dish with green beans or beet root or carrot.