Aviyal

VISHU Greetings from Kitchen Tales!!-  Vishu, signifies the malayali New Year. All malayalis celebrate this day with much fanfare and vigour. The day starts with "Vishukanni" meaning the first thing seen on the day of Vishu. The elders give "Vishukaineetam" to the younger ones and this is followed by a grand sadhya / feast.

Aviyal is the most prominent dish of any malayali sadhya. Its a combination of mixed veggies and coconut paste. Generally a lot of coconut is used to make this dish and it is dry. I have given a healthy twist to this traditional dish by reducing the coconut and adding yoghurt. Hope you all like this version.I learnt this from one of my friend who dwells from the state of Palghat in Kerala.

Ingredients:

Servings - 4 Persons

Carrot - 1  

(Cut lengthwise into 1"pieces)

Raw Banana - 1 

(Cut lengthwise into 1" pieces)

Yam - 1/4 portion

(Cut lengthwise into 1" pieces)

String beans - 7-8 

( cut into 1" pieces)

Flat beans - 5-6

(Cut into 1" pieces)

Gherkins - 5-6 

Drumsticks - 2 nos

( Cut into 1" pieces)

Brinjal - 1 long diced

White pumpkin - 1/4 portion

(Cut lengthwise into 1" pieces)

Kerala cucumber - 1/2 portion

(Cut lengthwise into 1" pieces)

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Salt - to taste

For the paste:

Grated coconut - 1/2 cup

Yoghurt/ thick curd - 1 cup

Green chillies - 4 nos medium spicy ones

Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Garnish

Coconut Oil -1tsp

Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Method:

• Boil all the vegetables with turmeric powder and salt until well cooked. 
• I normally cook yam and drumstick separately and then add it to the other veggies once cooked.
• Grind coconut,yoghurt, green chillies and jeera to a fine paste.
• Add this paste to the cooked veggies, mix well, check for salt.
• Simmer till the mixture becomes warm.
• Do not boil else the aviyal will curdle.
• Remove from flame and garnish with coconut oil and curry leaves.

Note:

• Do not overcook the veggies to avoid the aviyal from becoming mushy.
• Use freshly grated and not frozen coconut for best results.
• Cook in earthen ware / terracotta vessels for the authentic taste.

Happy Cooking!!!