Zucchini is one of the very common vegetables that can be seen in all the Australian supermarkets. English speaking countries call it as Zucchini while the European Countries call it as Courgette. Zucchini is a summer squash and it has a slightly sweet taste. Though it looks similar to cucumber, it is not eaten raw since it is not juicy and refreshing like the cucumbers. The sweetness in zucchini becomes more evident when it is cooked. Cooking also serves to soften zucchini, although it is tender to bite into even raw. I always make thoran or kootu with this vegetable and it tastes delicious when we balance the sweetness of the vegetable with green chilli or red chilli powder. It requires very little cooking time and I don't prefer it when overcooked.
Ingredients:Zucchini - 2
Salt - as required
To Grind:
Grated Coconut - 1/4 CupGreen Chilli - 2Shallots(small onion) - 1
Garlic - 1 Clove
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
To Temper:
Oil - 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - few
Method:
1. Grind the items under 'To Grind' to a coarse mixture without adding water. Keep it aside and then wash the zucchini.
2. Chop the zucchini into small pieces. In a pan, add the oil and allow the mustard seeds to crackle. Then add the curry leaves and allow it to splutter.
3. Now add the chopped zucchini and the ground coconut mix. Add the required salt and mix it all together.
4. Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 mins in high flame and switch off the flame. I normally cook the zucchini in an open pan without closing with the lid.
Zucchini thoran is ready. I served it with sambhar and rice.
- Make sure not to overcook the zucchini. It takes very less time to cook. (just 3 to 4 mins)
- The zucchini has a mild sweet taste. If you don't prefer the sweetness in thoran then add little more green chilli or red chilli powder.
- Adding shallots and garlic is optional but it gives a nice flavour to the thoran.
Happy's Cook - Divya
This looks yummy and so easy to make.
ReplyDeleteYummy thoran
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