Avial Recipe

Are you ready to dive into the world of delicious South Indian cuisine? Today, we are going to explore the unique and flavorful avial recipe. This traditional dish is a medley of various vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal that is perfect for any occasion. Let's learn how to make this mouthwatering avial and elevate your culinary skills to a whole new level!

What Is Avial Recipe?

• Avial is a traditional South Indian dish that is known for its delicious combination of succulent vegetables and unique seasoning. This recipe is a celebration of fresh and vibrant vegetables, such as carrots, beans, green peas, brinjal, drumstick, potatoes, yam, and pumpkins, all brought together in a creamy coconut-based sauce. The dish is flavored with a blend of Indian spices, green chilies, and curry leaves, giving it a distinctive and aromatic taste.
• The essence of avial lies in its simple yet flavorful preparation, making it a versatile and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. The use of coconut oil and curd adds richness to the dish, while the tender vegetables provide a satisfying and nutritious meal. Overall, avial is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of South Indian cuisine.

Why You'll Love Avial Recipe?

• Deliciously Textured: The mix of various vegetables in avial creates a delightful texture that is both soft and slightly crunchy, adding an interesting element to the dish.
• Packed with Nutrients: Avial is a powerhouse of nutrients, thanks to the wide variety of vegetables used in the recipe. It provides a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
• Low in Calories: Despite its rich and creamy texture, avial is surprisingly low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
• Gut-Friendly: The addition of curd in avial not only enhances the flavor but also provides probiotics that are beneficial for gut health.
• Versatile Dish: Avial can be enjoyed as a side dish with steamed rice or as a standalone dish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
• Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: With its focus on vegetables and coconut, avial is a perfect option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, offering a substantial and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Avial Recipe

• Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, providing a nice crunch.
• Beans: Adds a slight crisp texture with a subtle flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Green peas: Brings a hint of sweetness and a pop of color, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the avial.
• Brinjal: Offers a soft, creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other vegetables well.
• Drumstick: Adds a unique aroma and flavor to the avial, infusing it with a subtle hint of bitterness and a delicate herbal note.
• Potato: Provides a comforting, starchy element and helps to thicken the sauce, giving the avial a hearty and satisfying quality.

How To Make Avial Recipe?

To make a delicious avial, follow these simple steps:

• Wash, peel and cut the skin of all vegetables into 2 inch long pieces. This step ensures that the vegetables are prepped and ready for cooking.
• Grind grated coconut, cumin seeds, and green chilies until coarsely. Then add 1/4 cup water and grind it into a smooth paste. This coconut paste is the key to the authentic flavor of avial.
• Heat a wide pan with 1 cup of water and add all the chopped vegetables along with some coconut oil. Cover and cook until the vegetables are half-cooked.
• Add the remaining vegetables like raw plantain, white and yellow pumpkins, along with some curry leaves and salt. Cover and cook until all the vegetables are fully cooked.
• Add the ground coconut paste to the cooked vegetables and let it cook for another 3 minutes. This step brings together all the flavors of the vegetables and coconut.
• Finally, switch off the heat and add the remaining coconut oil and curd. Mix well and garnish with some curry leaves for an added aroma.

These steps are crucial in creating a flavorful and aromatic avial that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional South Indian dish bursting with the goodness of fresh vegetables and coconut!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Rice: Avial tastes great when served with steamed white rice. The combination of the flavorful avial and the plain rice is a delicious duo that is sure to satisfy.
• Accompany with Roti: For those who prefer bread over rice, avial can also be enjoyed with soft and fluffy roti or chapati. The soft texture of the roti balances out the hearty avial.
• Include Papad: Crispy papad or appalam makes for a perfect crunchy addition to the meal. The contrast of textures adds an extra element to the dining experience.
• Serve with Pickle: The tanginess of pickle complements the mild flavors of avial. It adds a burst of flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Pair with Yogurt: A side of plain yogurt can help balance out the spiciness of the avial. The coolness of the yogurt acts as a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple vegetable salad with a light dressing can add a fresh and crisp component to the meal. It provides a healthy addition to the meal.

Tips for Making Avial

• Preparation Duration: As avial includes a variety of vegetables, the preparation may take some time. To save time, consider prepping the vegetables ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.
• Cooking Techniques: To ensure the vegetables cook evenly, it's important to add them in stages based on their cooking time. Start with carrots, beans, brinjal, and other longer-cooking vegetables, then add quick-cooking vegetables like pumpkins and avaraikai.
• Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also enhances the overall flavor. For avial, garnish with fresh curry leaves at the end to bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
• Consistency of Coconut Paste: When grinding the coconut, cumin seeds, and green chilies, ensure that the paste is smooth and well blended. This will contribute to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the avial.
• Seasoning: Be mindful of the salt content, as each vegetable will absorb the seasoning differently. Taste the avial before serving and adjust the salt as needed for a well-balanced flavor.
• Curd and Coconut Oil: Adding the curd and remaining coconut oil at the end adds a creamy richness to the avial. Be sure to mix them in well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Variations for Avial Recipe

• Veggie Variations: Feel free to change up the vegetables used in the avial recipe. You can add or swap vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or even leafy greens like spinach for a unique twist.
• Protein Boost: To make the avial more filling, consider adding protein sources like tofu, chickpeas, or even paneer. This will add a new layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the quantity of green chilies used in the recipe. You can also add a dash of red chili powder for an extra kick.
• Nutty Addition: For a nutty flavor, you can add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews to the coconut paste before grinding. This will add a delightful crunch and richness to the dish.
• Tangy Twist: For a tangy variation, you can add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of tamarind juice to the avial. This will provide a burst of refreshing acidity to balance out the flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Add a pop of freshness by incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or mint at the end of the cooking process. This will elevate the dish with a burst of herbal fragrance and flavor.

How to Store Avial Recipe

Proper Storage for Freshness

• After preparing the avial, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Keep it refrigerated to ensure the vegetables stay crisp and flavorful.

Key Ingredient Storage

• Store the grated coconut paste in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the remaining coconut oil and curd in their original containers and store them in a cool, dry place.

Preparation for Later Use

• If you plan to store the avial for later use, portion it out into smaller containers for easy reheating.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.

Avoiding Spoilage

• Check the avial for any signs of spoilage before consuming. Discard if there are any off-putting smells or changes in texture.

Reheating Tips

• When reheating the avial, add a splash of water if it appears dry and stir gently to bring back the original texture.
• For best results, reheat the avial on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that your avial recipe stays fresh and delicious for longer periods. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make avial with fewer vegetables?

• Yes, you can adjust the recipe to include only the vegetables that you have on hand. The key is to ensure a good mix of textures and flavors for the best taste.

Can I use frozen coconut instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen coconut if fresh is not available. Just make sure to thaw it before grinding it into a paste for the recipe.

Can I make avial without coconut oil?

• While coconut oil adds a distinctive flavor to the avial, you can substitute it with any other cooking oil of your choice. Keep in mind that this may alter the traditional taste of the dish.

How can I make the avial spicier?

• If you prefer a spicier avial, you can increase the quantity of green chilies used in the recipe. You can also add a dash of red chili powder for some extra heat.

Can I skip the curd in the recipe?

• While curd adds a tangy flavor to the avial, you can omit it if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious without the curd.

Can I store leftover avial?

• Yes, you can store leftover avial in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to reheat it before serving for the best taste.

Recipe Card

Avial Recipe 2018-08-16 03:27:18

Avial Recipe

Serves 4                             Print        

Prep Time   00:15        

Cook Time   00:20        

Total Time   00:35

Ingredients:

Vegetables

• Carrot -1
• Beans -6 to 7
• Green peas -1/4 cup
• Small sized brinjal -2 to 3
• Drumstick -1
• Potato -1
• Raw plantain -1/2
• Elephant Yam -100g
• White Pumpkin -1/2 cup
• Yellow Pumpkin -1/2 cup
• Avaraikai - 5 to 6
• Green chilli -1, slitted          

To grind

• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 green chilies          

To cook

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp curd
• few curry leaves
• salt to taste

Instructions:          

Preparations

• Wash, peel and then cut the skin of all vegetables into 2 inch long pieces.
• Grind grated coconut, cumin seeds and green chilies  until coarsely.
• Then add 1/4 cup water and grind it into smooth paste and keep it aside.          

How to cook Avial recipe

• Heat a wide pan with 1 cup of water.
• When the water boils, add chopped carrots, chilli, beans, brinjal, drumstick, peas, yam, potatoes, avaraikkai and 2 to 3 tsp coconut oil.
• Cover and cook for 7 to 8 mins. When they are half cooked, add raw plantain, white and yellow pumpkins and few curry leaves. Add some salt.
• Cover and cook until they are fully cooked.
• Then add the ground coconut paste and cook for another 3 mins.
• Switch off the heat.
• Now add the remaining coconut oil and curd. Mix well.
• Finally, garnish with some curry leaves.         
• By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot
• https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Heat a wide pan with 1 cup of water.
When the water boils, add chopped
carrots, beans, brinjal, drumstick,
peas, potatoes, avaraikkai and
2 to 3 tsp coconut oil.
Cover and cook for 7 to 8 mins.

When they are half cooked, add raw plantain,
yam, white and yellow pumpkins and
a few curry leaves. Also, add some salt.
Cover and cook until they are fully cooked.

Then add the ground coconut paste
and cook for another 3 mins.
Switch off the heat.

Now add the remaining coconut oil

and curd. Mix well. Finally, garnish with some curry leaves.