How to make delicious Aviyal at home?

About Aviyal

Aviyal is a popular dish from South Indian Platter that is known for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It is a vegetable stew made with a combination of mixed veggies, coconut, and yogurt, and is seasoned with a variety of spices like cumin, mustard, and curry leaves. This food item is traditionally served as a side dish with steamed rice, but can also be enjoyed with roti or chapati.

The origins of Aviyal can be traced back to the southern state of Kerala, where it is a popular food item in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian households. It is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover veggies and coconut and has since become a beloved eatable in many parts of South India.

One of the unique aspects of this edible is a variety of veggies used in the recipe. Popular veggies include carrots, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, yam, and drumstick, but the combination of the veggies can vary depending on availability and personal preference. The addition of coconut and yogurt adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to it, while the spices and curry leaves provide a burst of flavor.

Apart from its delicious taste, this eatable is also a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of veggies and coconut provides a range of nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Overall, it is a delicious and wholesome dish that is an essential part of South Indian cuisine.

This is a popular South Indian dish made with a variety of veggies in a coconut and yogurt-based gravy. Here’s a recipe for making delicious Aviyal at home:

Ingredients for making Aviyal

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, yam, etc.), chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Steam the chopped veggies in a steamer or pressure cooker until they are soft but still retain their shape. Set aside.
2. Grind the grated coconut and cumin seeds in a mixer or blender to a fine paste. Add a little water if required to help with the grinding.
3. In a large pan or wok, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves, and fry for a minute.
4. Add the cooked vegetables to the pan and stir well.
5. Add the ground coconut-cumin paste to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell of the coconut disappears.
6. Beat the yogurt well and add it to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
7. Add salt to taste and mix well.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Enjoy your delicious Avial with family and friends!

Nutritional value

Aviyal is a highly nutritious dish that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The exact nutritional value of the dish can vary depending on the type and quantity of vegetables used, but here is a general idea of the nutrients it can provide:

1. Carbohydrates: It is primarily made with mixed vegetables, which are a good source of carbohydrates. A serving of this edible can provide around 20-30 grams of carbohydrates.
2. Protein: The combination of vegetables and yogurt in the recipe makes it a good source of protein. A serving of this eatable can provide around 5-10 grams of protein.
3. Fiber: The vegetables used in Avial are a rich source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and promote satiety. A serving of this delicious eatable can provide around 5-10 grams of fiber.
4. Vitamins: Avial is rich in several vitamins, including vitamin A from carrots and pumpkin, vitamin C from drumsticks and coconut, and B vitamins from the vegetables and yogurt used.
5. Minerals: Avial contains several essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium from the vegetables, and iron and zinc from the yogurt and coconut.

Overall, Aviyal is a healthy and nutritious dish that can provide a range of essential nutrients to the body. However, it is important to use fresh and natural ingredients to maximize its nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Aviyal

Aviyal, a traditional South Indian dish, offers several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients and cooking methods:

1. Rich in Vegetables: Avial is primarily made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beans, drumsticks, yam, pumpkin, and snake gourd. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting overall health and digestion.
2. High in Fiber: Avial contains a significant amount of dietary fiber from the vegetables, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
3. Nutrient-Dense: The combination of different vegetables in avial ensures a diverse range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients support the immune system, promote cell function, and provide overall nourishment to the body.
4. Low in Calories: Avial is typically cooked with minimal oil and uses coconut as a flavoring agent. It is a low-calorie dish that can be included in a balanced diet, making it suitable for weight management and maintaining a healthy body weight.
5. No Artificial Additives: Avial is prepared using natural ingredients, without the addition of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is a wholesome and clean dish, providing nourishment without unnecessary additives.

It’s worth noting that the health benefits of aviyal can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. However, overall, it can be a nutritious addition to a well-rounded diet.

Tips and Tricks

Aviyal is a popular and delicious South Indian mixed vegetable curry that is both flavorful and nutritious. Here are some tips and tricks to make a perfect Aviyal:

1. Selection of Vegetables: Choose a variety of vegetables for Aviyal, such as carrots, beans, yam, plantains, ash gourd, drumsticks, and pumpkin. Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the best taste.
2. Proper Cutting: Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Ideally, the vegetables should be cut into finger-length pieces.
3. Precook Dense Vegetables: Some vegetables like yam and drumsticks take longer to cook. Consider precooking them before adding them to the Aviyal to ensure they are tender.
4. Coconut Paste: Grind fresh grated coconut with cumin seeds and green chilies to make a smooth paste. This paste forms the base of Aviyal and gives it a rich and creamy texture.
5. Use Yogurt: Aviyal is traditionally made with yogurt, which adds a tangy flavor and balances the richness of the coconut paste. Use fresh and thick yogurt for the best results.
6. Tadka or Tempering: The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies in coconut oil is essential for enhancing the flavors of Aviyal. Add the tadka just before serving.
7. Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables as they should retain their shape and color. Cook them until they are just tender.
8. Coconut Oil: For an authentic taste, use coconut oil for the tadka and cooking. Coconut oil complements the coconut-based flavors of the Aviyal.
9. Timing of Adding Yogurt: Add the yogurt to the Aviyal only after removing it from the heat. Stir it in gently to avoid curdling.
10. Garnish: Garnish the Aviyal with fresh curry leaves for added aroma and flavor.
11. Customization: Aviyal is versatile, and you can adjust the spiciness and tanginess to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier Aviyal, you can add more green chilies, or if you like it milder, reduce the amount of chilies.
12. Served with Rice: Aviyal is traditionally served with steamed rice and accompanies other South Indian dishes like sambar and rasam in a traditional thali (platter).

Aviyal is a wholesome and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of South Indian cuisine. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Aviyal is a delicious and nutritious South Indian dish made with a medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut and yogurt-based gravy. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy Aviyal to its fullest:

1. Serve as a Side Dish: Aviyal is traditionally served as a side dish with steamed rice for a complete meal. Place a generous portion of Aviyal on the side of a mound of steamed white rice or mix it directly into the rice for a flavorful combination.
2. Pair with Roti or Chapati: While rice is the most common accompaniment, Aviyal can also be enjoyed with Indian flatbreads like roti, chapati, or paratha. The creamy texture of Aviyal complements the softness of the bread.
3. Add a Dash of Ghee: For an authentic touch, drizzle a little ghee (clarified butter) over the Aviyal before serving. The ghee enhances the flavors and adds a rich, aromatic element to the dish.
4. Garnish with Coconut: Sprinkle some freshly grated coconut on top of the Aviyal for an extra burst of coconut flavor and added texture.
5. Serve with Papad or Appalam: Accompany Aviyal with crispy papadams or appalams for a delightful contrast in textures.
6. Enjoy with Curd/Yogurt: Aviyal already contains yogurt, but you can serve it with a side of fresh yogurt or curd to enhance the creaminess and cool down the spiciness.
7. Include in a South Indian Platter: As mentioned in the previous response, you can include Aviyal as part of a South Indian platter along with other dishes like sambar, rasam, poriyal, and coconut chutney for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
8. Add Some Chilies: If you prefer a spicier version, serve the Aviyal with chopped green chilies or a side of spicy pickle.

Remember that Aviyal tastes best when it’s freshly prepared, so serve it immediately after cooking for the most enjoyable experience. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary choices. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of Aviyal!

FAQs