Ash Gourd Thoran (Kerala Kumbalanga Thoran)
This easy ash gourd thoran, also known as Kerala kumbalanga thoran, is a simple stir-fry made with tender ash gourd, fresh coconut, curry leaves, and everyday spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and South Indian meals.
Ingredients
- ½ kg ash gourd/ kumbalanga
- 1 onion ( chopped )
- 3 green chillies
- ¼ cup coconut ( grated )
- 1 ( sprig ) curry leaves
- 2 ( sprig ) coriander leaves ( for garnish )
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon urad dal
- ½ teaspoon chana dal (bengal gram)
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt ( to taste )
Instructions
- Remove the skin and seeds from the ash gourd.
- Chop the kumbalanga into uniform pieces.
- In a pan, add coconut oil and heat it over medium heat. Season with mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and cumin seeds.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves, and saute for a few minutes.
- Add turmeric powder and salt to the sautéed onions, then mix them well.
- Add chopped ash gourd and sauté it thoroughly until well combined with the other ingredients.
- Sauté the ash gourd thoroughly until it releases its moisture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook the ash gourd.
- Kumbalanga is only partially cooked, so it releases water from the vegetable.
- Cook the ash gourd until all the water is completely absorbed.
- Turn off the heat. Add the grated coconut and mix it well.
- Garnish the ash gourd thoran with coriander leaves. Your thoran is now ready to serve.
- Your delicious coconut ash gourd thoran is ready to serve with piping hot steamed rice, roti, or any of your favorite rice dishes.
Notes
- Fresh grated coconut gives the best flavor, but frozen grated coconut works well after thawing.
- Ash gourd releases enough water while cooking, so there is no need to add additional water.
- Cook until all the moisture has evaporated for the perfect dry texture.
- Coconut oil gives the dish its authentic Kerala aroma and flavor.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 103.6kcalCarbohydrates: 6.4gProtein: 0.9gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 7.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 260.7mgPotassium: 73.7mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 2.7gVitamin A: 56.6IUVitamin C: 16.5mgCalcium: 14.5mgIron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
