Avial

       Avial is a traditional south Indian dish which is also considered as an important side dish of sadhya. There are some stories which suggest that it was one of the five Pandavas, who created this dish. Let's see how to prepare this deliciously easy recipe.

Ingredients

Grated coconut                        - 1 cup

Cumin seeds                            - 1 tsp

Green Chillies (sliced)            - 2 to 3

Turmeric powder                    - 1/2 tsp

Raw Plantains                          - 1 cup (green unripe bananas)

Sliced elephant foot yam        - 1 cup

Snake gourd (sliced)                - 1/2 cup

Long beans (sliced)                  -  1/4 cup

Drumsticks (Chopped)             - 1/2 cup

Carrots                                      - 1/2 cup

Pumpkin                                   - 1/2 cup

Brinjal                                       - 1/2 cup

Cucumber                                 - 1/2 cup

Tindora (optional)                    - 1/4 cup

Curry leaves                              - 1 spring

Coconut oil                                - 2 tbsp

Salt                                             - as required

Water                                         - 3 cup

Preparation

1. To Prepare Paste:

                   Coarsely grind the grated coconut into a paste. While making the paste, add cumin seeds, two green chillies, turmeric powder and 4 -5 tbsp water (add more water if it is too thick).

2. To Prepare avial:

Avial
(Photo courtesy: Samphotography/
Wikimedia Commons)

                   

• Take 3 cups of water in a pan and add chopped vegetables. Cover the pan for some time and cook them till soft. 
• Then add coconut paste into it. Mix well and let it simmer (medium flame) for 15 minutes.
• Now add salt as required. Mix well and then cook it in a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes. Wait until the mix is semi-dry. 
• Garnish with coconut oil and curry leaves.