Avial

Here's a dish from Southern India that is full of vegetables and rich in taste. Not only is this a versaltile dishes(you could mix and match your own veggies) , it consumes less time as well for preparation.
The origin of Avial dates back to the state of kerala in Southern India. I have tasted many variations of Avial and I still do not know the authentic one and neither have I done any research on this. If any of you probably know,then do post it here for me and others to get educated. This is one dish you will love to cook over and over again.

For my version of Avial, here is what you will need:

Vegetables:

Any of the following(atleast 3-4)

2 medium carrots

3-4 string beans

1/2 of a cucumber

1 medium potato

2-3 Drumsticks

2-3 pieces of cubed brinjal
a few pieces of chooped snake gourd pieces

a handful of peas(frozen or fresh)

Grated Cocunut,about 1 cup(A little more or less is fine)

2-3 spoons,Coconut Oil(I used parachute oil)

a few curry leaves

greenchillies,3-4 or to taste

cumin seeds, 1 spoon

2-3 spoons of plain yoghurt

turmeric,1/4 of a spoon (optional)

Salt to taste

Chop all the veggies that you will be using length wise and keep aside.

Heat a skillet and add a spoon of coconut oil. Add the turmeric and then the veggies. Toss it lightly and then add a little water.Water should be just enough to cover the veggies. Throw in the curry leaves. Cover it and cook for about 10 minutes.Let is come to a boil. The vegetables need to get tender and soft.

In the meanwhile, grind together the grated coconut,green chillies and cumin seeds adding little water.

Once the veggies have cooked, add this coconut paste to it and mix well. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.Now,switch off the stove. Drizzle the remaining coconut oil on top of this.

Add yoghurt just before serving. This is a very good side to rotis as well as rice.