HOW TO PREPARE AVIAL A KERALA TRADITIONAL DISH

AVIAL

 Avial is a traditional and popular dish from Kerala, India. It is a delicious and nutritious mix of various vegetables cooked with coconut and yogurt. This vegetarian dish is known for its unique blend of flavors and is often served as a side dish with rice. Here's a simple recipe for preparing Avial:

Ingredients:

For the Avial Paste:

1. 1 cup grated coconut
2. 1 green chili
3. 1 small piece of ginger
4. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
5. 1 cup yogurt (curd)
6. A handful of curry leaves

For the Avial:

1. 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, pumpkin, drumsticks, yam, etc.), cut into long strips
2. 1/2 cup raw banana, diced
3. 1/2 cup snake gourd, diced
4. 1/2 cup ash gourd, diced
5. 1/2 cup elephant yam, diced
6. 1/2 cup drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
7. Salt to taste
8. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
9. Water, as needed

For Tempering:

1. 2 tablespoons coconut oil
2. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
3. 2-3 red chilies, broken
4. A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Avial Paste: a. In a blender, combine grated coconut, green chili, ginger, cumin seeds, yogurt, and curry leaves. b. Blend until you get a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables: a. In a large pot, add the mixed vegetables, raw banana, snake gourd, ash gourd, elephant yam, and drumsticks. b. Add turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to cover the vegetables. c. Cook the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.

3. Combine Paste and Vegetables: a. Add the prepared Avial paste to the cooked vegetables. b. Mix well, ensuring that the vegetables are coated evenly with the coconut-yogurt mixture. c. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Prepare the Tempering: a. In a small pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. b. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. c. Add broken red chilies and asafoetida. Saute for a few seconds. d. Pour the tempering over the avial and mix gently.

5. Serve: a. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. b. Serve Avial hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious Kerala dish that brings together the goodness of assorted vegetables and the richness of coconut and yogurt. It's a perfect accompaniment to a traditional South Indian meal.