Avial – Mixed Vegetable Stew

Avial is a delicious South Indian stew made by cooking vegetables in a coconut gravy. Avial is made during special occasions and festivals such as Onam. Avial and adai (Rice & Grain Pancake) is a famous combination served for breakfast or dinner. Avial is also served with rice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

No. of servings: 4

Spice level: 2 out of 5

Ingredients:

• Vegetables – 2 cups (potato, carrot, beans, winter melon, pumpkin)
• Grated coconut – 1/2 cup
• Green chilies – 2
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Oil – 1 tsp
• A few curry leaves (8 to 10)
• Yogurt – 1 cup
• Coconut oil – 3 to 4 drops

Method of Preparation:

1. Cut vegetables into 1″ pieces.
2. Boil vegetables in a sauce pan or kadai with 1/2 cup of water and salt until vegetables become tender.
3. Grind coconut, cumin seeds and green chillies with a little water to a fine paste.
4. Add this to the cooked vegetables along with curry leaves.
5. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
6. Add yogurt, mix well and finish with 3 to 4 drops of coconut oil.
7. Avial is ready to serve.

Note: You can also add or substitute other vegetables such as raw plantain, drumstick, yam, okra, chayote, etc.