How to cook aviyal ( south indian mix vegetable dish)

Aviyal or Avial is a medley of hardy vegetables in a coconut gravy. Its common in Kerala, Tamil and Udupi cuisine. Among the vegetables used this dish are

Raw Banana or plantain, Yam, Drumstick, Snake Beans, Snake gourd, Pumpkin, Winter Melon, Carrot and Cucumber. For vegans add mango/tamarind (use this instead of yogurt).

Though potato and celery are not traditional to this dish - you can use them

First get some hardy vegetables of your choice from the previous suggestions. Its important to cut them in uniform so it cooks evenly. I cut it into 1 inch batons.

For best results have at least 5 variety of vegetables

Add vegetables that take longest cooking time into a pot with water, salt, 1 whole green chilly and ground turmeric. Cook till al dante.

Meanwhile coarsely grind the whole cumin seeds.

Next add roughly diced green chilly and pound again.

Now add grated coconut and pound for the final time till you get a coarse paste.

When the vegetables are al dante - its cooked but hold its shape and not mushy. Be careful not to stir hard and cause the vegetable to break.

If you have any vegetables that needs less cooking time - add them now.

Next add the ground coconut paste.

Stir gently to incorporate all the flavors.

Add coconut oil.

And a sprig of curry leaves

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Once you are happy remove from the flame and add whisked yogurt.

I like my cucumbers crunchy, so I add the last.

Mix well and allow the cucumber to soak the coconut yogurt gravy.

Serve the aviyal hot with plain basmati rice.