Introduction for Aviyal:
Aviyal is a popular vegetarian dish from Kerala, a southern state in India. It is believed to have originated in Kerala and has been a staple dish in Kerala cuisine for centuries. The word “aviyal” comes from the Tamil word “avi”, which means a mixture of vegetables. It is believed that aviyal was introduced to Kerala by Tamil Brahmin communities who settled in the region centuries ago. Over time, the dish evolved and became a part of the local cuisine.
Traditionally, aviyal is made with a mixture of vegetables, including drumstick, raw banana, carrot, yam, pumpkin, and beans, along with grated coconut, cumin seeds, green chillies, and yogurt. These ingredients are ground together to form a smooth paste and then cooked with the vegetables. The dish is finished off with a tempering of curry leaves and coconut oil.
Aviyal is often served as a side dish with rice, sambar, or rasam, and is also a popular dish served during festivals and celebrations in Kerala. It is considered to be a healthy dish as it is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. Today, aviyal has become popular across India and is also enjoyed by people from other parts of the world. It is a testament to the rich culinary history of Kerala and the influence of various cultures that have shaped the region’s cuisine over time.
Here’s a Kerala style Aviyal recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (drumstick, raw banana, carrot, yam, pumpkin, beans, etc.)
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 green chillies
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Curry leaves
- Coconut oil
Instructions for Aviyal:
- Clean and chop all the vegetables into small pieces.
- Cook the vegetables in a pot with enough water to cover them, along with turmeric powder and salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- In a blender or mixer, grind together the grated coconut, cumin seeds, green chillies, and a few curry leaves to a smooth paste.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the ground coconut paste to the pot and mix well.
- Add yogurt to the pot and mix well.
- Heat some coconut oil in a pan and add a few curry leaves. Once the curry leaves start to splutter, pour it into the aviyal pot and mix well.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy your delicious Kerala style Aviyal!
Conclusion
Kerala style Aviyal is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that has a rich history in Kerala cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to Tamil Brahmin communities who settled in the region centuries ago, and over time, it has become a staple dish in Kerala households. Aviyal is not only a tasty dish but is also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.