Onam, the much-awaited festival of Kerala, is not just about vibrant flower carpets and lively cultural performances. It's also a time when families come together to share the joy of a sumptuous feast called "Sadya." At the heart of this feast lies the iconic Avial, a mixed vegetable dish that showcases the culinary brilliance of Kerala. In this blog post, we embark on a gastronomic journey to uncover the secrets of preparing the perfect Onam special Avial, a dish that encapsulates the spirit of unity and diversity that Onam represents.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Beans, Drumsticks, Raw Banana, Yam, Ash Gourd), Chopped Into Uniform Pieces
• 1/2 Cup of Grated Coconut
• 1 Teaspoon of Cumin Seeds
• 1 Green Chili
• A Few Curry Leaves
• 1/2 Cup of Yogurt
• A Pinch of Turmeric Powder
• Salt to Taste
• 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Clean and chop the mixed vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking.
2. In a blender, combine grated coconut, cumin seeds, and green chili. Grind them into a coarse paste. Do not make it too smooth; a bit of texture adds to the dish's authenticity.
3. In a wide pan, add the chopped vegetables and a pinch of turmeric powder. Sprinkle some salt. Add a small amount of water, enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
4. Cover and cook the vegetables on medium heat until they are almost tender. Make sure not to overcook them; they should retain a slight crunch.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the coconut paste to the pan and mix well. Let the coconut paste infuse its flavors into the vegetables.
6. Beat the yogurt until smooth. Add it to the pan and gently mix it with the vegetables and coconut paste.
7. Ensure the flame is on low at this stage to prevent curdling.
8. Let the Avial simmer for a few minutes on low heat, allowing all the flavors to blend harmoniously.
9. In a separate small pan, heat coconut oil.
10. Add curry leaves and let them sizzle. Pour this aromatic tempering over the Avial, enhancing its taste and aroma.
11. Serve the Onam special Avial with steaming hot Kerala red rice, making sure to place a banana leaf beneath the rice for an authentic touch.
12. Pair it with crispy papadams, tangy mango pickle, and the ever-popular banana chips.

As you relish the divine medley of flavors in the Onam special Avial, you're not just savoring a dish; you're experiencing a rich tradition that has been passed down through generations. With its vibrant colors, wholesome taste, and cultural significance, Avial is an embodiment of Kerala's culinary heritage. So, this Onam, bring the festival's essence to your table by whipping up this delightful Avial recipe and celebrating the spirit of unity, diversity, and togetherness that Onam signifies.