Avial Recipes

Steps:

• In a large, deep skillet, add the veggies, plus a thin layer (about a centimeter or 1/3 inch) of water. Stir in the turmeric and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to medium and cook, uncovered, until you can pierce the vegetables with a fork but they are still slightly firm, 5 to 7 minutes.
• While the vegetables are cooking, combine the coconut, chiles and cumin seeds in a food processor, blender or mortar and pestle and blend or pound until coarsely ground.
• Once the vegetables are done cooking, turn the heat down to low and add the coconut mixture, yogurt and 1 cup water. Cover and cook until the vegetables are soft and fully cooked and the coconut mixture, yogurt and water have come together as a sauce, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste and add more salt, if necessary.
• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or butter warmer over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and as soon as they start to pop and dance around in the oil (1 to 2 minutes max), take the pan off the heat and add the curry leaves. They will start to pop and crack, but within seconds, they'll settle down and crisp up.
• Pour the coconut oil mixture over the avial. Serve with rice.