Kerala Style Avial Recipe – Onam Sadya Recipe
Kerala Style Avial is a rich and vibrant dish that’s a staple in Kerala cuisine, especially during Onam Sadya celebrations. It’s a medley of mixed vegetables cooked with a fresh coconut paste and flavored with curry leaves and coconut oil. The Avial, with its mild yet delightful flavors, pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a tangy Vathal Kuzhambu. Whether you’re celebrating Onam or simply looking to try something new, this recipe brings the essence of Kerala right to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Vellai Poosanikai (Ash gourd/White Pumpkin) | 1 cup | Cut lengthwise |
| Drumstick | 2 | Cut lengthwise |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2 | Cut lengthwise |
| Green beans (French Beans) | 10 | Cut lengthwise |
| Raw Banana | 1 | Peeled and cut lengthwise |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 | Peeled and cut lengthwise |
| Elephant yam (Suran/Senai/Ratalu) | 1 cup | Peeled and cut lengthwise |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Fresh coconut | 1-1/2 cups | Grated |
| Green chillies | 3 | |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig | Torn |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon | |
| Coconut oil | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Steam the Vegetables
To begin making the Kerala Style Avial, the first step is to cook all the vegetables. Place all the cut vegetables—Vellai Poosanikai, Drumstick, Carrots, Green beans, Raw Banana, Potatoes, and Elephant yam—into a pressure cooker. Sprinkle salt over the vegetables and add about 1/4 cup of water to help them steam.
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and place the weight on. Let the vegetables cook under pressure for about 2 whistles. Once the 2 whistles are done, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat.
To release the pressure safely, place the pressure cooker under running water for a few seconds. Once the pressure has been released, open the cooker and transfer the steamed vegetables to a large serving bowl.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Paste
Now, let’s move on to the coconut base for the Avial. In a mixer, add the grated fresh coconut, green chillies, and cumin seeds. Pour in a little warm water to help the grinding process and blend everything to form a smooth, almost creamy paste.
Step 3: Combine Coconut Paste with Vegetables
Add the freshly made coconut mixture to the steamed vegetables in the serving bowl. Mix everything gently to combine the coconut paste and vegetables.
Step 4: Flavor the Avial
Now, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the mix along with some torn curry leaves. Give it a good stir, ensuring the coconut paste coats all the vegetables nicely. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Step 5: Serve
When you’re ready to serve the Kerala Style Avial, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. Serve it alongside steaming hot rice and a side of Vathal Kuzhambu for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
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Vegetable Variations: You can customize the vegetable mix based on what’s in season or available in your pantry. Common vegetables used in Avial include pumpkin, drumsticks, carrots, and beans, but you can experiment with others like cauliflower or zucchini.
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Coconut Paste: The coconut paste is key to the creamy texture of the Avial. Make sure the paste is smooth but not too watery. Adjust the water content as you blend.
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Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are an essential part of the flavor profile. If you can’t find fresh curry leaves, use dried ones, but fresh leaves will provide the best flavor.
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Coconut Oil: Coconut oil brings out the authentic flavor of Kerala cuisine. While you can use regular oil, coconut oil will give the dish its characteristic richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
| Vitamin A | 1600 IU |
| Vitamin C | 30mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
This Kerala Style Avial is a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s sure to brighten your day. Perfect for a festive meal or a regular lunch, it embodies the spirit of Kerala with its simplicity and rich coconut flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Onam or just craving a traditional Kerala dish, this recipe will transport you to the heart of South India with every bite.
