Rinse and then slice or shred or chop 300 grams cabbage. Also chop 1 green chili. Keep aside.
Heat oil in a shallow kadai or a shallow frying pan.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Then add curry leaves, chopped green chilies and a pinch of asafoetida. Stir and mix well.
Cover the pan with a rimmed lid. Pour water on the lid. The water in the lid, creates steam in the pan and helps in cooking the cabbage. Steam cook on sim or a low flame.
Do check the cabbage after every 5 to 6 minutes, by carefully removing the lid. In case the water dries on the lid, then add some more water and continue cooking the cabbage.
If you see the cabbage getting browned, then sprinkle some water in the pan. Usually the cabbage does not get browned. But depending on the type and quality of pan, the cabbage can get browned.
When the cabbage is cooked well, then add 1/4 cup grated coconut. Mix well and saute for a minute.
Switch off the heat. Lastly add 2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
Serve cabbage bhaji hot with chapatis or paratha a side dish with any dal-rice or sambar-rice.
Notes
Instead of asafoetida, 3 to 4 medium garlic cloves can be used.
This recipe can be easily scaled to make a bigger or smaller batch.
To make the dish gluten-free skip adding asafoetida or source gluten-free asafoetida.