Avial

Avial is one of the popular dishes of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Its mandatory and  part of Sadya preparation , a feast during Onam festival.
  Its one of my favourites and can be classified as positively pranic for the body as it has white pumpkin and does not have onion.
Since most of the veggies used in this dish are asian,finding them all together in indian grocery stores is very rare. I have made it with frozen veggies got from indian shop.

Ingredients:
Avial vegetables- 500 gms
(white pumpkin,plaintain, yam,cucumber,Drumstick,carrot,beans)
Turmeric-1/4 tsp
Grated coconut-5 tbsp
Cumin seeds-1 tsp
Green chillies-2-3 nos
Beaten yoghurt or buttermilk- 1 cup.

For Tempering:
Coconut oil-1 tbsp
Curry leaves-a sprig

Method:
   In a hot pan, add oil ,temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves, add the frozen vegetables. Normally in india we used to pressurecook the vegetables with turmeric and salt as they can be got fresh. Add a ground paste of coconut,cumin seeds and green chillies and adjust salt till done. Once done turn the stove off and add buttermilk or beaten yoghurt. Serve hot with rice.

Cauliflower Potato Korma and Green Salad

Cauliflower Korma:

Ingredients:

 Cauliflower-1/2 (cut in to large florets and washed in hot salt water)
 Potatoes-3large ones(peeled and cut in to large cubes)
 Onions-1no(finely chopped)
Ginger-garlic paste-1tbsp
Tomatoes-2 small ones(diced fine)
Red chilli powder-2tsps(adjust to taste)
Curry powder-1 tsp
Garam masala-1tsp

 To grind:
 Coconut(grated)-1/2 or coconut milk-120 gms
Green chillies-3-4 nos
Cumin seeds-1 tsp

 To Temper:

Cinnamon-1/4 inch
Cloves-2nos
Cardamom-1no
Fennel seeds-1 tsp
curry leaves-a sprig

 For Garnishing: Coriander leaves-a bunch.

Method: In a pressure cooker, add a tablespoon oil and all the tempering ingredients,onions and a pinch of salt. When the onions are translucent,add turmeric,Ginger garlic paste and saute till the masala odour fades. Add the diced tomatoes and saute. Add the cauliflower florets, potatoes, all the powders and cook till the vegetables get coated and half cooked. Add the grounded paste of coconut,cumin, green chillies. Adjust salt to taste. Add some water and allow it to cook till done. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice.

 GREEN SALAD:

Ingredients:
 Iceberg lettuce- 1
 Capsicum(red)- 1/2
Cucumber-1/2
Carrot- 1/2
cherry tomatoes-6-7 nos

Dressing: olive oil, lemon and salt


 METHOD: In a large salad bowl, add all the ingredients and add the dressing. Toss them together. Serve.