Cabbage Poriyal

Cabbage Poriyal is a South Indian stir-fry dish made with shredded cabbage, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other spices. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with rice and sambar or rasam.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon oil (preferably coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2-3 dry red chilies, broken into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (optional)
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Freshly grated coconut for garnish (optional)
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

   • Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under running water. Remove any tough or discolored outer leaves.
   • Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a food processor. Set aside.

2. Cook the Cabbage:

   • Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
   • Add mustard seeds to the hot oil. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering, add urad dal and chana dal. Fry until they turn golden brown.
   • Add broken dry red chilies and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds until they become fragrant.
   • Add the shredded cabbage to the pan. Mix well to combine with the tempering.
   • Sprinkle turmeric powder over the cabbage. Add slit green chilies (if using) for extra heat.
   • Stir-fry the cabbage continuously for 6-8 minutes, or until it is cooked but still retains some crunchiness. Be careful not to overcook the cabbage, as it can become mushy.
   • Season the cabbage with salt to taste. Mix well.

3. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
   • Garnish the Cabbage Poriyal with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
   • Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice and sambar or rasam.

Enjoy the delicious and nutritious Cabbage Poriyal as part of a traditional South Indian meal! Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.