Avial Recipe
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Avial Recipe

Avial Recipe

Avial is a traditional South Indian dish renowned for its simplicity and delicious blend of vegetables with coconut and yogurt. Here’s a concise recipe for Avial:

Ingredients:

  • Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, beans, potatoes, drumsticks, pumpkin, ash gourd) - 2 cups, cut into long pieces
  • Fresh grated coconut - 1/2 cup
  • Yogurt (preferably sour) - 1/2 cup
  • Green chilies - 2-3, slit lengthwise
  • Curry leaves - a few
  • Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt - to taste
  • Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon

Method:

  1. Prepare Vegetables:
    • Wash, peel (if required), and cut the vegetables into long pieces. Traditionally, avial includes a mix of carrots, beans, potatoes, drumsticks, pumpkin, and ash gourd.
  2. Cook Vegetables:
    • In a large pan or pot, add the cut vegetables along with turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to cover them. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender but still firm.
  3. Prepare Coconut Paste:
    • While the vegetables are cooking, grind together grated coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds to a smooth paste using a little water. Set aside.
  4. Combine Yogurt:
    • In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add the coconut paste to the yogurt and mix well.
  5. Mix Coconut-Yogurt Mixture:
    • Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the coconut-yogurt mixture to the cooked vegetables and gently mix everything together.
  6. Tempering:
    • Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and sauté briefly until fragrant.
  7. Finish Avial:
    • Pour the tempering over the avial and mix gently. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Serve:
    • Serve hot avial with steamed rice or enjoy as a side dish with chapati or dosa.

Tips:

  • Vegetables: You can vary the vegetables based on availability and preference.
  • Consistency: Avial should have a thick consistency, with the vegetables coated in the coconut-yogurt mixture.
  • Yogurt: Ensure the yogurt is well whisked to avoid lumps in the avial.

Avial is not just nutritious due to its vegetable content but also flavorful with the coconut and yogurt base. It's a versatile dish enjoyed in South Indian homes and is a must-try for anyone exploring regional Indian cuisine.