Avial has many variations like 'Raw Cashew Avial', 'Tomato Avial', and the more popular mixed vegetable Avial. This mixed vegetable Avial comes in both dry and stew form. The dry form is made with raw mangoes for the sour taste, whereas the stew form is prepared with beaten curd. Mythological Significance of Avial It is supposed to have been invented by Bhima during their exile. According to the legend, when Bhima 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. There are mythological variations. Ingredients: Method: 1. Cook the vegetables and curry leaves in water in a covered pan. Also add salt to the water. 2. Grind the coconut, green chillies and cumin with little water to a coarse paste. 3. When the vegetables are half cooked, add turmeric powder and mix the mixture well. 4. After a minute, add the ground coconut paste. Mix well. 5. Simmer the vegetables till they are fully cooked. 6. Once they are fully cooked, add the beaten curd. Stir and simmer for a minute. 7. In another pan, heat coconut oil. Add the mustard seeds and broken red chillies 8. Let them and sizzle. When the crackling sound is over, pour the tempering into the Avial. 9. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes and then stir. 10. Serve the Avial with rice and sambar. Notes: |