This recipe for papaya stir fry thoran or omakka thoran from Kerala is the perfect match for hot, steamed rice

Made using papaya, grated coconut and other ingredients, here's a quick 15-minute dish!

Last updated:
3 MIN READ
Here's how you can make traditional Kerala papaya thoran or papaya stir fry in under 15 minutes!
Here's how you can make traditional Kerala papaya thoran or papaya stir fry in under 15 minutes!
Supplied/Sobha Varghese

An easy-to-make dish, papaya stir fry – natively known as Omakka thoran or kappalanga thoran – is a common accompaniment for steamed rice in Kerala cuisine. Often confused for cabbage thoran due to the similar resemblance, this dish is made using the goodness of raw papaya, especially since the fruit is known for its rich vitamin properties and taste.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 raw papaya (400 gms)
  • 100 gms grated coconut
  • 1-2 green chillies
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp black gram (urad dal)
  • 1 tbsp refined oil
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • Salt for taste
  • Method:

    Step 1: Peel the raw papaya and remove the seeds by slicing it evenly. Once done, wash the papaya thoroughly.

    Step 2: Shred the papaya to a coarse mix by using a food processor.

    Step 3: Grind the grated coconut, green chillies, cumin, garlic cloves and turmeric powder as well.

    Step 4: In a skillet or a thick-bottomed pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once it starts to splutter, add the black gram and stir till it turns lightly brown.

    Step 5: Add the coarsely ground coconut mix and curry leaves and sauté for a minute.

    Step 6: Add the chopped papaya and mix it well. Cover the skillet or thick-bottomed pan with its lid and cook it on low flame for about three to four minutes.

    Step 7: Once done, open the lid and stir the mix well once again. Allow the mix to dehydrate before serving it hot as an accompaniment for steamed rice.

    Sobha Varghese
    Sobha Varghese
    Sobha Varghese
    A home-maker based in Mumbai, Sobha runs a popular YouTube blog called ‘Sobha's Kitchenette’ that focuses on authentic and traditional Kerala recipes.

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