Why You’ll Love this Authentic Kerala Avial

If you’ve never tried Avial before, you’re in for a treat! This vibrant dish bursts with flavor and colors, making it a feast for the eyes.

I love how the mix of tender veggies creates a harmony of textures. Plus, the coconut adds a creamy richness!

It’s the perfect side for rice, and trust me, your taste buds will rejoice!

What Ingredients are in Authentic Kerala Avial?

When it comes to making that creamy, dreamy Kerala Avial, the ingredient list is as colorful as the dish itself. From vibrant greens to a splash of sunshine yellow, gathering the right ingredients not only makes your kitchen look like a mini veggie market, but it also sets the stage for an explosion of flavors that will dance on your palate.

You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready before diving in. Let’s break it down!

Here’s what you’ll need for this authentic Kerala Avial:

• 1 cup yam, chopped
• 1 cup snake gourd, chopped
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup long runner beans, chopped
• ¼ cup carrot, chopped
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ cup fresh coconut, grated
• ½ teaspoon cumin seed
• 2 vegetable drumsticks, sliced
• 1 raw banana, chopped
• 2 sprigs curry leaves
• 3 cups coconut oil
• 5 green chilies
• ⅛ cup raw green mango, cut into 4 cubes (for sourness)
• 2 teaspoons salt

Now, don’t let the list overwhelm you. Sure, it might seem like a lot at first glance, but a lot of these veggies may even be hanging out in your refrigerator, waiting to shine.

And honestly, you can tweak things based on what you have – perhaps the snake gourd is MIA; that’s okay. Feel free to swap in any vegetable that tickles your fancy. The beauty of Avial is that it’s all about balancing those flavors and textures.

Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that lets you get creative in the kitchen? Just imagine—colors everywhere, aromas wafting, and a healthy dose of deliciousness waiting to be devoured alongside a steaming bowl of rice.

It’s the kind of meal that brings a smile to your face, and isn’t that what cooking is all about?

How to Make this Authentic Kerala Avial

Making authentic Kerala Avial is like taking a flavorful trip straight to the heart of Kerala, and trust me, it’s utterly delicious. The magic starts with the vegetables. You want to gather your 1 cup each of chopped yam, snake gourd, cucumber, and long runner beans, and don’t forget that gorgeous raw banana and drumsticks. Yes, vegetable drumsticks—those long pods that are as fun to slice as they’re delicious to eat. A premium meat slicer can help achieve uniform vegetable cuts for professional presentation, though traditional knife work is perfectly suitable for home cooking. Add in ¼ cup of chopped carrot, and you have an array of colors and flavors all set for cooking.

Now, let’s get cooking. Heat up a generous 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a nice thick-bottomed vessel. Give it a moment to warm up, and then toss in those vibrant vegetables. Here’s the key—cook them on a low flame without adding any water. Yes, that’s right. Let those veggies release their natural moisture and flavors while they gently soften—because nobody likes soggy vegetables, right? Once they’re nearly done, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and some salt to taste (about 2 teaspoons usually does the trick for this mix). Stir gently, but don’t turn it into a salad. You want those flavors to blend, not to be tossed around like they’re at a party.

While those veggies are doing their thing, it’s time to make that creamy coconut paste. You need ½ cup of grated fresh coconut, 5 green chilies, and ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds. Just grind those up until they form a coarse paste and set it aside.

When your vegetables are ready, it’s time to add the star ingredients—sliced raw banana and chunks of raw mango. Push them down into the mix, then cover them with the other vegetables. You’ll notice the steam rising, and that’s your cue to add the coconut paste. Give everything a nice stir to combine, and right before serving, drizzle in the remaining coconut oil and toss some fresh curry leaves on top.

Serve this medley over rice, and while you might be tempted to dig in right away, feel free to enjoy the aroma for a moment. Kerala Avial isn’t just about eating; it’s about savoring every bite and every bit of culture that comes along with it.

Authentic Kerala Avial Substitutions and Variations

Cooking authentic Kerala Avial opens up a world of delicious possibilities!

You can swap out the vegetables to suit your taste; try adding sweet potatoes or zucchini.

If you’re out of coconut, plain yogurt or cashews can add creaminess, too!

And don’t be shy about adjusting the spice; toss in extra green chilies if you love heat.

Happy cooking!

What to Serve with Authentic Kerala Avial

Avial is a vibrant, flavorful dish that deserves the perfect companion on your plate!

I love serving it with fluffy steamed rice, which absorbs all that delicious coconut goodness. You can also pair it with crispy papadam for a fun crunch!

Don’t forget a side of tangy yogurt; its creaminess balances the spices wonderfully.

It’s a feast you won’t forget!

Final Thoughts

Though I can’t help but feel excited about sharing the authentic Kerala Avial with you, I also want to highlight how special this dish can be in your kitchen!

It’s vibrant, packed with flavors, and super healthy! You’ll impress your family with this recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave Kerala Avial again and again.

Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!