Authentic Beans Thoran with Carrots

Carrots and green beans thoran in a white bowl.

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This authentic Kerala Beans Thoran recipe combines green beans and carrots in a traditional South Indian coconut stir-fry. This healthy, vegan thoran is perfect for Onam sadhya or weeknight dinners. The grated coconut and aromatic spices create a flavorful side dish that's naturally gluten-free and ready in just 35 minutes.

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
10 curry leaves optional
½ lb green beans cut into ⅛ inch pieces (250 grams)
½ lb carrots grated
½ cup onions finely chopped
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
1 to 2 tablespoon water as needed
¾ cup grated coconut [See Note 1]
1 teaspoon garlic minced
1 to 2 green chillies slit lengthwise
½ teaspoon cumin seeds

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds and cover. Once the mustard seeds stop popping, add the 10 curry leaves, if using.
Stir in the ½ lb green beans, ½ lb carrots, ½ cup onions, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
Saute briefly, lower the heat to medium, cover and cook until the beans are crisp tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans and carrots will release their own liquid so you shouldn't need to add any water. However, if it's sticking to the bottom, add water in one tablespoon increments, as needed.
Add the ¾ cup grated coconut, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 to 2 green chillies, and ½ teaspoon cumin seeds. Stir fry until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Video

Notes

Note 1: For best results, use fresh coconut, though frozen coconut works as a good alternative. Some brands of frozen coconut are coarsely ground. If this is the case, run the coconut through a food processor for a few seconds until it's more finely ground, but don't over-process. It shouldn't become pasty.

If you only have desiccated (dried, unsweetened) coconut available, soak it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes or longer, until softened. Squeeze dry with your hands before using.

Nutrition