Aviyal the Ultimate Kerala Dish

Every Food has a story behind and today we are bringing you the Story of Aviyal the Keralas Delicacy. It is made of many varieties of Vegetables.

Mythology

It is believed to have been invented by Pandava Brother Bheema , during their exile. According to the legend, when he  assumed his duties as the cook in the kitchen of King Virata, he did not know how to cook. One of the first things he did was to chop up many different vegetables, boil them together and top the dish with grated coconut. Bheema is said to have prepared Avial, when there were unexpected guests for King Virata and he needed to serve meals for them. 

History

 Aviyal is mentioned in the literatures of Sangam Age The Sangam Age was the period of history of ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala and parts of Sri Lanka (then known as Tamilakam) spanning from c. 6th century BCE to c. 3rd century CE. It was named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars centered in the city of Madurai.

Ingredients

Row Plantain 1 Number

Yam ½   Cup

Drumstick 2 Numbers

Beans ¼ Cup

Snake Gourd ¼ Cup

Carrot 1 Cup

Golden Cucumber 1 Cup

Turmeric Powder 1 Tsp

Cocunut Grated 1 Cup

Green Chilly 5 Numbers

Cummin Seeds 3 Tsp

Curry Leaves 1 Spring

Peel and cut vegetables lengthwise into 2″ pieces long (stick shape).

2. Grind coconut, green chilly and cumin seeds into a coarsely paste with little water.
3. Wash, cover and cook vegetables with 1/2 cup water, turmeric powder and salt to taste till the veggies are half cooked. (Note : Do not over cook the veggies, since many different kinds of veggies are used, take care, Keep adding the vegetables to the boiling water according to the cooking time, the longer cooking vegetables first and the quicker ones last.)
4. Make a small well in the middle of the half cooked veggies and pour the ground coconut paste into it,Cover the pot and cook for 5 mins.

5.Remove the lid and add beaten curd,curry leaves and gently toss for few minutes.

6.Cook on low heat for few more minutes till the veggies are well cooked, Take care not to mash the vegetables.

7. Add the curry leaves and pour coconut oil over the top and cover the pot and mix well.

8. Remove from the fire and keep covered till serving.

 

Happy Cooking and Serving