Vegetable Theeyal

Whenever I feel like eating something different from the usual stuff that is usually made at home, a Vegetable Theeyal can save my day. To make a vegetable theeyal, that is a typical dish of the state of Kerala, India, you need fresh vegetables, mostly termed as Nadan vegetables.

Earlier when I was a child, I did not take any effort in even tasting a vegetable theeyal. Actually I thought it as a not so colorful dish that did not have anything to do with me. But today, it is my favorite vegetable dish that saves me when I lose my appetite. ;)

This is a traditional dish of Kerala. This dish can be served with rice, puttu, dosa, idly or you can even try them with chapattis. I bet you will love it a lot. The usual theeyal especially the vegetable theeyal does not include some of the ingredients which I have added. But trust me, this version would make you fall in love with this vegetable delight forever. So check out the recipe and let me know your opinions.

PS: Here, I have roasted the grated coconuts with the help of Microwave. If you are using Microwave for the same, then make sure you use full power and set timer for 5 min. Make sure you keep a spoon with you. Soon after 5 min, you need to open the oven and mix the ingredients with the help of a spoon. Then turn on to full power for 5 min, and continue the process till the coconuts have turned light brown. Do not extend more than 5 min because there are chances for the coconut gratings to get burnt. If you prefer to do it on Stove, then you need to stir continuously without allowing the coconut gratings to burn.

Ingredients

For Making the Coconut Mix

·         Grated Coconut – 2 cups

·         Shallots – 10-15nos

·         Green chilies – 2

·         Ginger – 1 inch

·         Garlic – 10 cloves

·         Pepper powder – 1 tsp

·         Chilly Powder – 1 ½ tsp

·         Coriander Powder – 3 tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp

 Vegetables

·         Cucumber – 1/2 cup

·         Brinjal – ½  cup

·         Onion – 1 no

·         Drumstick – 1 medium

·         Snake Gourd – ½ cup

Other ingredients

• Tamarind paste- 1/2 tbsp
• Salt
• Oil

Method

Microwave Method-Step 1

·         Take the grated coconuts and grind them to fine powder

·         In a glass bowl, add the coconut powder (For roasting in the microwave oven)

·         To the bowl, add finely chopped garlic pieces, ginger pieces and shallots

·         In full power, place the bowl for 5 min (set time for 5 min only)

·         After 5 min, open the oven and mix the ingredients well

·         Place it back to the oven and set for another 5 min in full power

·         After 5 min, repeat the same process until you roast the coconut grating in the right manner. Make sure you do not burn it

·         Take the roasted coconut gratings and add to it the spices

·         Add Chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and mix them well with the roasted coconut

·         Place the bowl back to the oven and in full power, you may heat the contents for 2 min

·         Grind the contents to a paste in a jar. You may add water to it while grinding

     

  Stove Method-Step 1

·         In a tava, you may roast the coconuts using hot oil

·         Add spices and roast them

·         Grind the contents to a paste and keep aside

Step 2

·         In a large pan or tava, add some oil

·         Add some mustard seeds and allow them to splutter

·         Add curry leaves and add diced onions and green chilies to it. Sauté well

·         Now add the cut vegetables

·         Add sufficient salt

·         Pour a cup of water and close the lid

·         Allow it to cook partially

·         After 5 min after the vegetables have boiled, add the ground coconut mix to it

·         Allow it to cook for 10-15 min

·         Remove from flame after 15 min and serve with rice or dosas