South Indian Style Cabbage Peas Curry Recipe
Cabbage Curry with Coconut
I love South Indian style cabbage curry! Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it also has only a few ingredients and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Black mustard seeds, golden turmeric, asafoetida and coconut transform the cabbage into an elegant dish!
Cabbage has a ton of fiber, which helps in keeping you fuller for longer. Additionally, cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and aids the liver in detoxifying the body.
And oh, this dish is so budget-friendly and really BIG on taste!
What is South Indian Cabbage Peas Curry?

South Indian style cabbage curry also called Cabbage Poriyal, a staple of South India, is a deliciously straightforward cabbage curry infused with spices and of course, coconut which is what makes it South Indian as dishes from that region generally includes coconut as an ingredient. Coconut thrives and grows wildly in the South Indian tropical climate so it’s a big ingredient in that part of the country’s cuisine.
This go-to South Indian side dish really shines with the addition of mustard seeds, some fiery red chilies if you’re in the mood for a slight kick, and aromatic curry leaves
Ingredients for Cabbage Peas Curry

1. Cabbage
When buying cabbage, look for ones that are bright and shiny, almost lime green.
2. Carrot
Some carrots taste great in this curry.
3. Green Peas
Green peas add color and texture to this curry.
4. Coconut
Use fresh frozen shredded coconut. It’s a key ingredient in this dish that sets it apart from other stir-fried cabbage recipes.
5. Curry Leaves
You’ll probably need to visit the Indian grocery store for these.
6. Spices
You will need only three basic spices to prepare this curry. You will need mustard seeds, dried red chili, and turmeric powder.
7. Green Chilies
For some heat, add green chili as per your tolerance level.
8. Oil
Any neutral oil.
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How Do I Prepare South Indian Style Cabbage Peas Curry?
Making a delicious South Indian Cabbage Curry is a delightfully simple process. Here’s a quick rundown:
Start off by heating some cooking oil in a large pan. Once it’s heated, toss in some mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Give them a moment to sputter and do their magic, releasing their flavors into the oil.
Once that’s done, it’s veggie time! Toss in green chilies, finely chopped cabbage, a pinch of salt, and some turmeric. Stir it well so that everything gets a nice mix. Don’t forget to add in the green peas and diced carrots. Now, cover the pan and let it all cook on a nice, low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, of course.
After the veggies are perfectly cooked and soft, sprinkle in some grated coconut and give it another 2 minutes on low heat. And voila! You’ve got yourself a scrumptious Cabbage Curry ready to serve alongside some Boiled Basmati rice, roti and tasty high protein vegetarian salad. If you want a touch of sweet and sour, cook the best Imli Chutney instantly. Bon appétit!
You May Also Want To Try: Bengali Style Omellete Curry

Pro Tips For Your South Indian Cabbage Curry
- Don’t overcook the cabbage; it should still be slightly crunchy. It’s okay to prep the cabbage one or two days before and store it in the fridge.
- Finely shred the cabbage to shorten the cooking time.
- This dish freezes well.
- When stored in the fridge eat it within two days as coconut has a short shelf life.
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Cabbage Peas Curry Recipe Summary
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A easy and yummy simple cabbage curry but in South-Indian style straight away from my mother-in-law’s cookbook.
Ingredients
- 1 Cabbage – finely chopped
- 1 Carrot- cut into small pieces or small chunks
- 1/2 cup Green peas
- 1 cup Fresh frozen shredded coconut, defrosted.
- 4 Green chili peppers – sliced lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 2 Dried red chili peppers
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
Instructions
Prepare Your Pan
- Heat your cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add in Initial Ingredients
- To the heated oil, add:
- Mustard seeds
- Dried red chilies
- Curry leaves
Give them a little time to sputter in the pan, this will allow the oil to soak up the flavors.
Introduce Your Veggies
- Now add the following:
- Green chilies
- Chopped cabbage
- Salt, to taste
- Turmeric
Ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Now, mix in the green peas and diced carrots in the pan.
Let it Cook
- Cover the pan, and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to avoid any ingredient from sticking at the bottom.
The Finishing Touch
- Once the vegetables are soft and fully cooked, stir in the grated coconut. Cover it again and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
That’s it! Your Cabbage curry is now ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with rice or roti. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: main course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian

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