Green Bean, Corn and Coconut Thoren

Thoren is Kerala’s version of a stir-fry, made with finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, mustard seeds and curry leaves. The spicing is very light because the focus is on the tender-crisp texture of the vegetables enhanced by coconut. When corn is in season, I like to combine it with green beans, but in Kerala it would be made with just green beans, or just shredded cabbage, both of which are also delicious!

Serves 4-5

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh green beans

1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)

Spiced coconut

2/3 cup grated unsweetened coconut

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

1 fresh Serrano or Jalapeño chili, split lengthwise

2 medium cloves garlic, gently crushed

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ to ½ cup water

Seasoning

2 tablespoons neutral oil

1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds

1 dried red chili or 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

20 fresh curry leaves (optional)

Preparation

Step 1
Chop the beans into very small ¼-inch lengths. It helps to line up 6-8 at a time and chop them together. If using frozen corn, place it in a colander and run cool water over it until it thaws; drain well.

Step 2
In a small bowl mix together the coconut, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, green chili, crushed garlic, and salt with enough water to make a moist mixture that sticks together—it should not be watery. Set aside.

Step 3
In a wok or large frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat until it is shimmering. Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to “pop” quickly add the curry leaves and stand back as the leaves sputter for a few seconds. Add the dried red chili and let is sizzle for a few seconds. Promptly add the beans and corn and stir them frequently until the vegetables begin to turn tender and the beans take on a brighter green color, about 5 minutes.

Step 4
Stir in the coconut mixture. Continue cooking over medium until the vegetables are tender with a slight crispness, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.