Avial (Vegetables curry in curds)-Traditional Tamil dish

* Cubed White Squash (pumpkin) -- 1 cup
* Chopped French Beans, Cauliflower,Drumstick, Bell Pepper, Potato -- 3 cups(mixed together)
* Green Chilies -- 4 (medium sized)
* Plain Yoghurt -- 2 cups
* Grated Fresh Coconut -- 1 cup
* Curry Leaves -- 10
* Coriander Leaves -- 4 tsp.
* Mustard -- 1/8 tsp.
* Turmeric -- 1/8 tsp.
* Cooking oil -- 1/2 cup
* Fried Red Chilies -- 2
* Sugar -- 1 tsp.
* Cumin -- 1 tsp.
* Split Black Gram -- 1/8 tsp.
* Asafoetida -- a pinch or two
* Salt to taste


In a deep pot boil the mixed vegetables in a cup of water until tender. Keep aside. (If there is any water left in the pot, do not discard it). In a blender, blend yogurt, sugar, cumin, grated coconut, turmeric, salt, coriander leaves, a cup of water until well mixed. Pour this mixture into the
pot containing the vegetables and keep it on medium heat. Add the green chilies sliced lengthwise and simmer the contents for ten minutes. (Remember to stir frequently, as yogurt tends to stick to the bottom of the pot).

Remove from heat and keep aside. In a wide skillet heat oil on medium. When oil is hot add dry red peppers and fry for one minute. Then add mustard seeds, black gram and curry
leaves. When the mustard seeds pop, add asafoetida. Immediately add the vegetables and sauce from the pot. Cook for a minute or two. Remove from heat. Goes well with plain white rice, pita, paratha, puri.