Aviyal is a quintessential dish from South India, especially popular in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This vibrant mixed vegetable curry is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce simmered gently in a creamy coconut and yogurt base, flavored with curry leaves and a hint of green chili.
Traditionally served during festive occasions and as part of the Onam Sadhya feast, Aviyal is cherished for its wholesome ingredients and unique blend of flavors that are both tangy and mildly spiced. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, this Aviyal veg recipe is easy to follow and promises a delightful medley of textures and colors on your plate.
Get ready to experience a taste of South Indian heritage with this nourishing, comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Aviyal veg recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal that is both delicious and healthy. The dish uses a variety of fresh vegetables, which means you get a good dose of vitamins and fiber in every bite.
The coconut yogurt gravy adds a creamy texture without overwhelming the natural flavors of the vegetables. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Another reason to love Aviyal is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a vibrant dish.
The subtle blend of curry leaves and green chili gives it an aromatic punch without being too spicy, making it appealing to the whole family.
If you enjoy authentic Indian cooking and seek to try recipes that are both traditional and easy to prepare, this Aviyal veg recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw banana, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup ash gourd (white pumpkin), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup yam, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup grated fresh coconut
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 cup yogurt (curd), whisked
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium-sized saucepan or deep pan
- Blender or food processor (for grinding coconut and cumin)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop all the vegetables into roughly equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large saucepan, add the chopped raw banana, carrot, drumsticks, ash gourd, beans, yam, and enough water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender but not mushy (about 10-12 minutes).
- Make the coconut paste: While the vegetables cook, grind the grated fresh coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds into a coarse paste using a blender or food processor. Add a little water to help the blending process if necessary.
- Add the coconut paste: Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to low and gently mix in the coconut paste. Stir carefully so the vegetables don’t break down.
- Add yogurt: Slowly add the whisked yogurt to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Keep the heat low and let the mixture warm through for 3-4 minutes without boiling.
- Season with curry leaves and coconut oil: Tear the curry leaves and sprinkle them into the curry. Drizzle the coconut oil over the top and give it a gentle stir.
- Final taste check: Adjust salt if needed and ensure the consistency is creamy but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or yogurt to loosen it.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, use freshly grated coconut and homemade yogurt. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute yogurt with thick coconut milk or cashew cream.
You can customize Aviyal by including your favorite vegetables like pumpkin, potatoes, or even bitter gourd. Just remember to keep the vegetables chopped to similar sizes for even cooking.
Avoid overcooking to maintain the crisp texture.
Some variations include adding a pinch of turmeric for extra color and health benefits or tempering with mustard seeds along with curry leaves for a slightly different flavor profile.
To make the dish richer, add a tablespoon of ghee instead of coconut oil at the end. For a tangier twist, you can use raw mango instead of yogurt during the warmer months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Calcium | 8% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Aviyal pairs beautifully with steamed basmati or jasmine rice, making it a wholesome meal on its own. It also complements other South Indian dishes such as sambar, rasam, or a simple dal.
For a festive meal, serve it as part of a traditional Onam Sadhya alongside Half Runner Beans Recipe and other vegetable curries.
You can also enjoy Aviyal with chapati or flatbreads for a lighter meal. Garnish with fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon for an added zing.
Conclusion
Aviyal is more than just a vegetable curry; it’s a celebration of simplicity, health, and tradition. With its colorful mix of vegetables, creamy coconut yogurt base, and aromatic spices, this dish brings the essence of South Indian home cooking right to your table.
It’s an excellent recipe for those who want to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without compromising on flavor.
By mastering this Aviyal veg recipe, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also get to experience a dish that has been passed down through generations, cherished for its wholesome goodness and comforting taste.
Give it a try today and share this delightful culinary heritage with your family and friends!
📖 Recipe Card: Aviyal Veg Recipe of India
Description: Aviyal is a traditional South Indian mixed vegetable curry made with coconut and yogurt. It is a wholesome and flavorful dish often served with rice.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw banana, chopped
- 1 cup carrot, chopped
- 1 cup drumstick (moringa), chopped
- 1 cup beans, chopped
- 1 cup ash gourd, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 2 green chilies
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 cup yogurt, beaten
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables into medium pieces.
- Boil vegetables with turmeric and salt until tender.
- Grind coconut, green chilies, and cumin seeds into a coarse paste.
- Add the coconut paste to the cooked vegetables and mix well.
- Stir in beaten yogurt and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle coconut oil on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g
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