Kerala-style thoran — dry stir-fry of drumstick pods with fresh coconut in coconut oil.
Ingredients
- 300g drumstick pods
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 2 dried red chillies
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
- 2 green chillies
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
Method
Prepare drumstick: Wash 4-5 drumstick pods. Scrape the outer skin lightly. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
Parboil drumstick: Boil drumstick pieces in salted water with half tsp turmeric for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain.
Make coconut mixture: Mix half cup freshly grated coconut with half tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 2 green chillies and 3 shallots sliced.
Combine: Mix parboiled drumstick with coconut mixture.
Heat coconut oil: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a wide pan.
Splutter mustard seeds: Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and cover until all pop.
Add aromatics: Add 2 dried red chillies and curry leaves. Fry 20 seconds.
Add drumstick-coconut mixture: Add to the pan. Season with salt.
Toss: Cook on medium heat 3-4 minutes tossing gently — drumstick is delicate.
Serve: Drumstick thoran has a delicate sweet-nutty flavour. Eat by pressing the drumstick between your teeth to extract the inner flesh. Serve with rice.