14 Traditional Kerala Sadya Recipes for Beginners

8. Vegetable Thoran (Dry Coconut Stir-Fry — Green Beans or Cabbage)

Thoran is a dry stir-fry of finely chopped vegetables and fresh grated coconut. It’s quick, bright, and relies on minimal oil and short cooking so the vegetable retains texture. Green beans, cabbage, beetroot, or carrots are common choices. The flavor base is simple: mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a mixture of crushed green chilies and shallots can be lightly sautéed before adding the vegetables and coconut. Cover briefly to cook through, then uncover to evaporate excess moisture. A practical tip for beginners is to chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly, and to “crush” the coconut and aromatics together with a pestle or back of a spoon before mixing — that lets the flavors distribute quickly. Thoran is a fast win: it’s forgiving, healthy, and one of the best ways to get the coconut texture and tempering techniques right without long simmer times.