Malabar Aviyal

Malabar is located in southern tip of India; Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations, Rich in Heritage, scenic beauty and mouthwatering cuisine. 

Malabar

Pre-independence Kerala was basically split into the princely states of Travancore & Kochi in the south, and Malabar district in the north; the erstwhile split is reflected in the recipes and cooking style of each area. Both Travancore and northern Malabar cuisine consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes using many vegetables and fruits that are not commonly used in curries elsewhere in India (like Ethakka,bittergourd,Karunai).

Methology of Avial, see the link Aviyal

Malabar Aviyal is a thick mixture of vegetables, curd and coconut, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. It plays a major role in Kerala Sadya. Making Aviyal is quite easy, once you are done cutting the vegetables. This Aviyal menu is sure to transport you to the shores of Kerala. Enjoy

Ingredients

Vegetables

Ethaykka (Kerala Banana)    -              1 no

Carrot                                              1 no

Beans                                              10 no.

Elephant Yam                                    50 gm

Raw Banana                                     1 no.

Methanga-Red Pumpkin                      1 small piece

White Pumpkin/Kumbalanga                1 small piece

Lobia/ Nandan Payar                          100 gm.

Golden Cucumber / Nadan Cucumber     ½ no

 Green chilies                                    2 no

Grind Coarsely

Fresh Coconut                                   1 cup

Green Chilies                                    8 no.(Depending on spice level)

Jeera                                               a pinch. 

Other Ingredients 

Turmeric Powder                                ¼ tsp.

Plain sour yogurt/curd                        1 cup (room temperature)       

Water                                              2 cups

Salt                                                to taste

For Seasoning

 Coconut oil                                       2tbsp.

Curry Leaves                                     2 strings

Method:

• Grind coconut, cumin seed, and green chilies with adding  a little water and grind into coarsely.
• Peel and chop all the vegetables into similar sized 2-inch lengths.
• Take a heavy cooking pan, add vegetables, water ,turmeric powder and salt. Cook the vegetables.
• When  the vegetables are ¾ cooked, add the grounded coconut paste  and l tbsp. of  coconut oil into it. Mix the vegetable gently.
• Keep an eye on the vegetables as they may need more water as they cook.
• Now cook over low heat for about 10 minutes till the raw taste of coconut paste gone.
• Whip the curds into a smooth blend. Keep aside.
• Turn off the stove heat and add the whipped curd into vegetables and gently mix  it.
• Heat coconut oil in kadai, fry the curry leaves and add into the Aviyal and mix well.
• Now the famous Malabar Aviyal is ready to serve.
• Serve hot Aviyal with White Rice.

  Note: See my other Aviyal recipe is here, Aviyal