When you have 3 carrots left (or some other veggie) and you want a quick veg side dish to go with some rice (or in this case some instant Korean black noodles), I like to make a veggie thoran. Thoran is quick stir-fry is a typical Kerala side dish usually served with rice. Grated coconut, mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves can transform almost any vegetable. Consider this a template and try it also with shredded green cabbage, cooked mung bean or even tiny shrimp!
Ingredients
| Carrots | 2 cups | 2 inch julienne |
| Onions | 1/2 cup | small dice |
| Shredded Coconut | ¾ cup | |
| Green Chilies | 1 | Slit and seeds removed |
| Ginger | ½” | Chopped |
| Garlic | 2 | Chopped |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 tsp | |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp | |
| Red Chili powder | 1 tsp | Paprika, Cayenne, Smoked Paprika, etc. |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig (optional) | |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
Preparation
- In a wok (or a pan with a lid) heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and then curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start sputtering then add green chili and fry for about 10 seconds.
- Then add the onions and cook until soft for about a minute. Then add the shredded dry coconut.
- Add turmeric and chili powder of choice. Stir fry for about a minute to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Immediately add the carrots, a little water and salt. Stir and then cover with lid and allow to steam.
- Cook until carrots are slightly soft. Remove lid and salt to taste. Enjoy and serve as a side dish with rice.
