Avial

Avial is very popular kerala dish. Its a medley of vegetables combined in a coconut mixture.Its a sure accompaniment in any vegetarian feast. You can add numerous vegetables in this dish. Think of adding different colours. Slice them thin and cook and add a coconut mixture along with a tinch of sourness from either raw mango or curd or tamarind.

A mix of vegetables - like yam, raw banana,carrot,beans,potato,brinjal,drumstick etc- sliced thin about 3 cups
green chilli - 2 or 3
turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
coconut - about 1 cup
cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
curry leaves - 1 or 2 sprigs
curd - 2 tbsp
coconut oil - 1 or 2 tbsp
salt to taste

Thinly slice all the vegetables. Add turmeric powder,curry leaves, salt and some water , may be half cup or so and cook the vegetables in low medium flame.
When its almost cooked, grind coconut and cumin to a coarse paste and add.
Do not keep mixing too much after the vegetables are cooked. And do not add too much water also for cooking them. Add half cup and cook for around 8 - 10 minutes and check them. Depending on what vegetables you use it may need a little more or less. Adding too much water will make it mushy..
Once its done, add 1 tbsp curd and gently mix. Switch off and add coconut oil on top and keep covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Then stir gently and serve.
Some home make it with little gravy with it. Typically avial is a dry dish.