Aviyal

Aviyal is a traditional South Indian dish made with mixed vegetables, coconut, yogurt, and seasoned with curry leaves and mustard seeds. It's a flavorful and nutritious dish that is often served as a side dish with rice. Here's a simple recipe to make Aviyal:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, beans, potatoes, drumsticks, pumpkin, ash gourd, etc.), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 cup yogurt (preferably sour)
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:

   • Wash, peel (if needed), and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can use any combination of vegetables as per your preference.

2. Cook Vegetables:

   • In a large pan or pot, add the chopped vegetables along with turmeric powder and enough water to cover them. Cook the vegetables until they are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.

3. Grind Coconut Mixture:

   • In a blender or food processor, grind together grated coconut, chopped green chilies, and cumin seeds into a coarse paste without adding water. Set aside.

4. Mix Coconut Paste and Yogurt:

   • In a bowl, mix the ground coconut paste with yogurt. Ensure that the yogurt is at room temperature and not too sour.

5. Combine Coconut-Yogurt Mixture and Vegetables:

   • Add the coconut-yogurt mixture to the cooked vegetables and mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding more yogurt or a little water if needed.

6. Season Aviyal:

   • Heat coconut oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

7. Temper Aviyal:

   • Pour the tempered oil mixture over the aviyal and mix well.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with a few curry leaves and serve the Aviyal hot with steamed rice or as a side dish with other South Indian meals.

Enjoy the delicious and nutritious Aviyal as a flavorful addition to your meal! Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preference.