A Thoran is a tempered mixture of coconut gratings and green masala with vegetables, seafood or meat. It is one of the many side dishes served with a Kerala meal. These recipes ideally call for freshly grated coconut. The tempering process creates a spiced-oil garnish that varies from one thoran to another. Coconut oil, vegetable oil or clarified butter can be used for this process. Curry leaves and coconut gratings impart aroma and nutty flavor. For best results, the tempering should be done right before serving. In this book the author has written 10 vegetable Thorans. For Shrimp Thoran refer the book Seafood and for Meat Thoran refer Meat in this series of cook books.