South Indian Carrot Poriyal Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Stir-Fry

Carrot poriyal, a vibrant and flavorful South Indian side dish, is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into culinary delight. This humble stir-fry showcases the natural sweetness of carrots, enhanced by the aromatic tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies. It's a perfect accompaniment to rice, sambar, and rasam, adding a burst of color and taste to your meal. The recipe is incredibly versatile, easily adjustable to your spice preference, and requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

This incredibly easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through each step of making delicious carrot poriyal. From preparing the carrots to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, we'll ensure you create a side dish that's both authentic and satisfying. Let's dive into the detailed instructions and unlock the secrets to this beloved South Indian culinary treasure.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Gas stove

Ingredients

  • Carrots
  • Urad dal
  • Garlic
  • Onion: big
  • Curry leaves
  • Green chillies
  • Fresh coconut
  • Mustard seeds
  • Oil
  • Turmeric powder
  • Salt
  • Red chilli powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Spices

  • Put the pan on the gas and pour some oil into it. Let the oil heat up.
  • Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add green chillies and urad dal. Fry until the urad dal turns light brown.
  • Add curry leaves and sauté briefly.
Put the pan on the gas and pour some oil into it. Let the oil heat up.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.Add green chillies and urad dal. Fry until the urad dal turns light brown.Add curry leaves and sauté briefly.
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
  • Add chopped onions and fry until lightly browned.
Add chopped onions and fry until lightly browned.
Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Step 2. Cook the Carrots

  • Add the chopped carrots.
  • Add turmeric powder.
  • Add salt and red chilli powder to taste.
  • Add water and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add the chopped carrots.Add turmeric powder.Add salt and red chilli powder to taste.Add water and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Carrots

Step 3. Finish and Serve

  • Once the carrots are cooked (slightly crunchy), add grated fresh coconut and stir well. Heat for a few minutes to let any remaining water evaporate.
  • Turn off the gas. Your Carrot Poriyal is ready!
Once the carrots are cooked (slightly crunchy), add grated fresh coconut and stir well. Heat for a few minutes to let any remaining water evaporate.Turn off the gas. Your Carrot Poriyal is ready!
Finish and Serve

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Tips

  • Don't overcook the carrots; they should be slightly crunchy for the best taste.
  • You can use dried coconut if fresh coconut isn't available.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 200-250
  • Fat: 8-12gg
  • Carbs: 25-30gg
  • Protein: 3-5gg

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add green beans, peas, or even potatoes for a more substantial poriyal.

2. What if I don't have coconut oil?

Vegetable oil or even ghee can be used as a substitute. Coconut oil offers a distinct flavor, though.

3. How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the amount of green chilies added. Start with fewer and add more to taste if you prefer it spicier.


This simple yet flavorful South Indian Carrot Poriyal is a perfect addition to any meal, offering a burst of vibrant color and taste. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the carrots and the aromatic blend of spices – a true testament to the beauty of simple cooking. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!