Broccoli- Green Gram (Cherupayar) Thoran/Stir Fry with Coconut

Recipe No: 136

Back in California, every Sunday after Church we used to have dinner… which was such a nice time to mingle with others, that indeed gave an awesome feeling of being in a Community, especially when you have no one from your family around. On one such night someone brought this Broccoli and Green Gram thoran. The first thing you notice about this dish is that it doesn’t have that characteristic strong taste of Broccoli which many people especially the kids hate. So when I tried it, my kids were just unaware of what they were eating… I decided to share it so that it may help some people who are desperately trying to make their kids eat Broccoli with constant failure, just like I used to, at times. Thanks to the one who made that dish that night in the Church……..

Ingredients                                    Serves 6

• Dry Green Gram…………...1/3 Cup
• Broccoli chopped finely….2 heaping cups
• Oil………………………….…..2 Tablespoons
• Mustard Seeds……………..1/2 Teaspoon
• Dry Red Chilly………..……1 or 2 (broken into two)
• Shallots sliced thin…….…2
• Curry Leaves………….…...2 Sprigs

To Grind

• Grated Coconut…………..1/3 Cup
• Indian Green Chilly..……2 no
• Garlic………………….……..1 Big
• Shallots sliced…..…………1/3 Cup
• Turmeric Powder…………1/4 Teaspoon
• Salt…………………………….as needed

Method of Preparation

1. Wash the Green Gram, add 1 cup Water and boil till it is ¾th cooked.(Once boiled lower the heat and let it cook)  It shouldn’t be overcooked, but if it is under cooked we can definitely cook it together with Broccoli. If there is extra water, drain it.
2. Grind all the ingredients given in the 'to grind' section to a coarse consistency.
3. Heat Oil in a pan on medium heat and splutter the Mustard Seeds.
4. Add Dry Red Chilly, Shallots sliced and Curry leaves and saute till it is golden brown.
5. Add the chopped Broccoli and saute for a minute.
6. Make a well in the middle and put the ground Coconut mixture and cover it with the Broccoli.
7. Add the Green Gram on top and cover the pan. If needed, add one or two tablespoons of water (or the excess water from  cooking Green Gram). Lower the heat to minimum and let the Broccoli and Green Gram cook completely.
8. Once cooked uncover the pan and saute till it is completely dry.
9. Serve hot with Rice.

Notes:

• I chopped Broccoli finely in a food processor so that it will not be recognized easily by the kids. But if you want to see the pieces then you don't have to chop that finely. 
• If you are using the stem parts that are near to the florets, please do take the skin off before chopping.
• Be gentle when you stir it in the end. Vigorous stirring and over cooked Green Gram will make the dish mushy.

 






Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…