I’ve made this stir-fry with a variety of cabbages that we get in our farm share, including savoy and napa, but it’s also quite delicious with regular old green or purple cabbage and even finely shredded Brussels sprouts. This version of palya (a fried or sautéed vegetable dish) is flavored with fried mustard seeds, dals, and red chile pepper and finished with coconut, lemon, and cilantro. Feel free to substitute fresh green chiles for the dried ones, or add green peas to introduce some sweetness into the mix if you don’t have coconut on hand. This side dish is great served over rice with dal and raita, as a topping for tacos, or as a filling for pita sandwiches.
Recipe information
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Thaw frozen coconut or soak dried coconut in a little hot water to plump up.
Step 2
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium until shimmering. Add 1 mustard seed. When seed sizzles and pops, add remaining mustard seeds, cover, and cook until seeds start popping, about 10 seconds. When popping starts to subside, immediately add chana dal. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, tossing constantly, until dals are reddish golden brown and smell nutty, about 2 minutes. Add chiles and toss to coat. Add cabbage, salt, and turmeric and cook, stirring, until cabbage wilts but still has a little crunch, 3–5 minutes. Add coconut and cook until heated through, about 1 minute more.
Step 3
Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice and salt if needed.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
37 Cabbage Recipes That Turn a Humble Head Into a Shining Star
Cabbage is so hot right now. But we like it cold too.37 Vegetarian Indian Recipes for Warming Dal, Creamy Paneer, and Crunchy Chaat
On this list of vegetarian Indian recipes, you’ll find cozy meatless dinners and crispy party snacks galore.59 Diwali Recipes for a Bright, Festive, and Sweet Holiday
Whether you're looking for the classics—such as gulab jamun, carrot halwa, and jalebi—or you're interested in finding some new dishes to add to your Diwali feast, these recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth *and* ensure you get something savory to eat, too.11 Bright Recipes to Cure Your Winter Blues
There's more to cold weather than endless bowls of soup.Weekly Meal Plan: Quick Stir-Fries, Fast Soups, and a Sheet Pan Pasta
5 fast and easy recipes for mid-December.41 Sides to Make with Pork Crown Roast
These sides might just steal the crown.47 Incredible Indian Recipes
Indian food is as vast and varied as the subcontinent itself; these 47 recipes are just a starting point.How to Make Tarka, the Sizzling Secret Behind the Best Indian Cooking
If you don't know how to tarka, it's time to learn.
