A simple, comforting vegetarian dish, in fact, a dish that contains all the easily available vegetables (well, in India), Avial or Aviyal is what intrigued me for the last few days. Not that, I was not aware of what Avial is or how it tastes. I have been to Kerala more than 4 times and till last year was quite regular in the southern part of the country for official assignments. Naturally tasted Aviyal several times. In fact, I make it quite regularly at home. We love the comforting taste of Aviyal. Prepared with several veggies, flavored lightly with minimum spices, and cooked with Coconut. It goes perfectly with our portion of rice. I actually cook it at times instead of Shukto at times given I found the dish strikingly similar to the Bengali delicacy, especially the way the ingredients are used.
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Facts related to aviyal
When I planned to pen down the recipe of Aviyal, I started gathering interesting facts naturally. The first thing that came to my mind was the similarities between the dishes I mentioned above. Both the dishes, Aviyal and Shukto, are the amalgamation of several vegetables, both are comforting and curry-like, both are served with rice, and both surprisingly are from the coastal area. Avial is a famous Kerala or Udupi side dish while Shukto is a famous side from Bengal. For that matter, it is worth sharing that Avial itself has several variations; there is Keralean Avial, then there is Udupi Aviyal, and also another version called Tamilian Brahmin style Avial. Though there is very little difference between the versions mentioned. All are having several vegetables and are a no onion no garlic preparation.
Avial and 2nd Pandabha!
I found one more dimension while searching the history of the vegetarian delicacy, that Bhim, the 2nd Pandabh from "Mahabharat" had invented Avial. As the story goes, the Pandavas and Draupadi were in exile for 13 years and they were in the Virat dynasty in the last year of their Exile. They were there with a false identity to adhere to the terms of exile. Bhim took the pseudo-name Ballabh during the Pandavas as well as Draupadi's stay at King Virat's residence during the "Virat Parbha". Bhim worked as the royal cook for one year and invented a dish which was having several vegetables and coconut in it, which he named Avial.
Avial, a dish from Thiruvithankor!
There is one more story about the evaluation of Avial which says it was invented by the cooks from Thiruvithankor in Kerala who were responsible for making bulk food for an event at the King's residence. To cover up the shortage of curry, they ended up making a mixed veg, which they named Aviyal! Whoever invented it, indeed came up with an amazing dish.
Avial is an integral part of Kerala cuisine
Coming to the present day, Avial is an integral part of Kerala cuisine and one of the main items served as part of traditional Sadya. Apart from Aviyal, traditional Sadya is having Kerala Matta (rice), Parippu, Sambar, Kaalan, Olan, Koottukar, Erissery, Kichadi, Pachadi, Pulisseri, Injipuli Thoran, Pappadam, Sharkara Upperi, Kaaya Varuthathu, Banana, Payasam, etc. You may check my post of mine on the Onam Sadya I have tasted at ITC Sonar.
As I already mentioned, Avial is prepared using several vegetables and coconut is an integral part of this vegetable curry. I have used Potato, Carrot, Snake gourd, Drumstick, Beans, Raw plantain, Raw Mango, Elephant foot yam, and a few chunks of Cucumber while making the Aviyal. You may add pumpkin or any other vegetable you prefer. Some people skip Curd too, however, I like my Aviyal with Curd. Raw Mango again is optional. It gives a natural sourness to the dish.
Here's how I cook Avial at Debjanir rannaghar
Avial
Avial is a famous Keralian or Udupi sidedish prepared with several vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 Potato
- 1 Carrot
- 1 Snake gourd
- 1 Drumstick
- 2 Beans
- 1 Raw plantain
- 1 Raw Mango
- 100 g Elephant foot Yam
- 1 Cucumber
- 12 Curry leaves
- 2 Green Chilli
To make the Paste:
- 1 cup Scrapped Coconut
- 4 Green Chili
- 1 Tsp. Cumin Seed
Spices and Other:
- 1 Tsp. Turmeric Powder: 1 Tsp.
- 1 Tsp. Salt or to Taste
- 1 cup Curd
Tempering:
- 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
- 8 Curry Leaves
Instructions
Avial authentic recipe
- Soak the Cumin seed in water for 10 minutes.
- Make a smooth paste of Scrapped Coconut, green chilis, and Cumin Seed.
- Peel the Potatoes, Carrot, Snake gourd, Raw plantain, Raw Mango Elephant foot yam, and Cucumber and cut into small squares.
- Cut Beans and Drumstick into long strips.
- Take a deep bottom pan and take 3 Cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Add Potato, Elephant foot yam and start boiling those till cooked ⅓.
- Add Raw plantain and Carrot and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Now add Snake gourd, Raw Mango, Beans, Drumstick, and Cucumber and mix lightly.
- At this point add Turmeric Powder, Salt, Curry Leaves, and Green Chili and cook till the vegetables soften but remain in shape.
- Add the Coconut Paste and Curd and stir and then cook by covering the pan till the gravy thickens.
- Heat the oil in a separate pan or tempering ladle and add Curry leaves to it.
- Add this tempering to the Avial and mix lightly.
- Serve Aviyal hot with Rice.
Notes
- You can skip the Curd if you wish to, however, it gives body and added flavor to the dish.
- Raw Mango is optional as well, however, works as a souring agent. Adjust is according to taste.
- Types of vegetables can also be adjusted as per taste.
Nutrition
Southern Delicacies from Debjnair Rannaghar
- Mutton Ghee Roast | Mangalorean delicacy, Mutton Ghee Roast
- South Indian Prawn Curry
- Crab Biryani | Crab Dum Biryani | Nandu Biryani
- Malabar Squid Curry or Nadan Koonthal Curry
- Tell-a-tale of South Indian Filter Coffee! for the love of Filter Kaapi...
- Cabbage Poriyal | Cabbage Thoran | South Indian Stir Fried Cabbage
- Malabar Fish Curry
- Mangalorean Rava Pomfret Fry
- Chettinad Egg Curry aka Chettinad Muttai Masala
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Let's connect!
I would love to see a picture if you are making the prawns following my recipe. You can share here at dolonchttrj@gmail.com. You can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and share it through Instagram as well. and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.
An Aviyal/ Avial Pin for your Pinterest board?
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
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