2022
In this post, You will find the recipe of A Cabbage thoran in Kerela style and some great plating techniques to create more appealing plates.
The art of serving food in by using the art of presentation like processing, decorating and arranging. The decorated or well arranged plate looks more appealing than that of a regular plate. A well plated good is more eye-catchy and for me it invites me to finish the whole plate.
Basically, there are 3 methods to increase the aesthetic appeal.
1. Free form - Food is placed like a composition on the plate. Sometimes food seems like a painting due to the abstract style of placing.
2. Classic the clock method - Here the food is placed in a form of clock. The most common plate in a classic form includes a starch, a vegetable and a side dish.
Cabbage thoran or cabbage fry is a dry vegetable dish made in Kerala cuisine. Thoran is basically finely chopped or grated vegetables cooked with shallots, chilies, fresh grated coconut and spices.
This is how i prepared this Cabbage Thoran in Kerala Style.
For this you will need:
- 1 medium sized cabbage - finely chopped or thinly sliced.
- Shallots - 8
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 3 dried red chillies
- A sprig of curry leaves
- 1 inch crushed ginger
- 1 cup grated coconut
- Salt to taste
Procedure-
- In a mixing bowl, add the cabbage, shallots and turmeric powder. Mix everything well. Cover and keep aside for 10 minutes.
- Next add coconut oil in the pan. Once the oil gets hot add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and red chillies. Once the oil is hot add curry leaves and ginger and sauté for a minute.
- Now add finely chopped cabbage and sauté it for two minutes on low medium heat.
- After 2 minute add chilli powder, salt and mix everything well.
- Cover the pan and let the cabbage cook for 4-5 minute on low-medium heat. This idea is to keep the cabbage slightly al dente and not make it too mushy and soft.
- After 3-4 minute add the grated coconut to the cabbage and mix everything well.
- Cook the thoran on medium heat for 1-2 minute while continuing to mix.
- Once done you are ready to serve the cabbage thoran.
3. Landscape form - Usually dish is placed along vertical or a horizontal line to create more appealing look.
Some great Plating tips-
- The main-ingredient of the plate must should be in focus.
- Add support ingredients such as sauce, vegetables, green herbs to highlight the main ingredient.
- Try to use different shapes and textures to create more appealing look.
- Plates usually look appealing when there is 2 neutral colours and at least 2 bright colours.
- Make sure your plate makes sense. Never use garnish that makes no sense.
- Odd number of elements look more appealing than the even number.
- Use Plate ware wisely. The best plate colour is White.
This post is 1st part of my #GourmetGuide series on the Connect. If you will like this then i will come further with more interesting tips and recipes.
Would you like to add some other plating tips ? Do let me know in the comments below. Also, show me your plates.
Hey @Ale_003
For me the taste as more important as the plating. I like the free style plating technique. Have a look at this one-
Hey @VinayKrishna
Thank you for your great tips. Personally I love the every form but landscape form is my favourite. The place Poetry by love and cafe is my favourite Café in lower Parel, Mumbai. I never miss this place when i visit this area. They know the best serving idea in the town.
Look at these pictures
