Aval Recipe – Quick Brown Rice Flakes with Coconut & Curry Leaves

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Aval Recipe – Quick Brown Rice Flakes with Coconut & Curry Leaves

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a staple in my kitchen for years – Aval, or flattened rice flakes. It’s a super quick, comforting dish that’s perfect for a light breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dinner. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes my grandmother taught me, and it always feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Aval recipe is all about simplicity and flavour. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings. The combination of crunchy rice flakes, aromatic curry leaves, and sweet coconut is just divine. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the spice level and add your favourite toppings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Aval:

• 2 cups brown rice flakes (aval)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
• 8 curry leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils)
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 3 Thai green chillies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• Salt to taste
• 0.25 cup fresh grated coconut
• Water (as needed)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients and how to get the best flavour:

Brown Rice Flakes (Aval) – Types & Soaking

There are different types of aval available – thick, thin, and even roasted. I prefer the medium-thick variety for this recipe, as it holds its shape well. Rinsing the aval is crucial! It removes any dust and helps soften the flakes. Don’t skip this step.

Avocado Oil – Health Benefits & Substitutes

I love using avocado oil for its mild flavour and high smoke point. It’s also packed with healthy fats! But if you don’t have it, you can easily substitute it with coconut oil, sunflower oil, or any other neutral-flavoured oil. (About 15ml)

Urad Dal – A South Indian Staple

Urad dal adds a lovely nutty flavour and a bit of texture. It’s a common ingredient in South Indian cuisine. If you can’t find it, you can skip it, but it does add a nice dimension to the dish. (About 2.5g)

Thai Green Chillies – Heat Level & Alternatives

Thai green chillies pack a punch! Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. You can use serrano peppers or even jalapeños as substitutes, but remember to remove the seeds for a milder flavour.

Fresh Grated Coconut – Importance & Storage

Freshly grated coconut is the best in this recipe. It adds a natural sweetness and a wonderful aroma. If you can’t find fresh, you can use unsweetened desiccated coconut, but the flavour won’t be quite the same. Store leftover grated coconut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give the brown rice flakes a good rinse under cold water. Drain them well and set aside to soften while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter – this is important for releasing their flavour!
3. Now, add the curry leaves and urad dal to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds until the dal turns golden brown and fragrant.
4. Next, toss in the chopped red onion and green chillies. Cook until the onions become translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the drained aval and salt to the pan. Sprinkle in about 2-3 tablespoons of water – just enough to moisten the flakes. Give it a good stir, then cover the pan and let it sit off the heat for 2 minutes. This allows the aval to steam and become nice and fluffy.
6. Finally, gently fold in the fresh grated coconut. Give it a quick mix, and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the aval! You want it to be slightly crunchy, not mushy.
• Adjust the amount of water based on the thickness of your aval.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

Variations

• Sweet Aval: My kids love this! Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar along with the coconut.
• Lemon Aval: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a lovely tang.
• Peanut Aval: Add a handful of roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavour. My friend, Priya, swears by this!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your oil is plant-based.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy)

Easily adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the green chillies. For a very mild flavour, remove the seeds from the chillies before chopping.

Regional Variations – Kerala vs. Tamil Nadu Style Aval

While the base remains the same, Kerala-style Aval often includes a touch of turmeric powder for colour and flavour. Tamil Nadu style might use a slightly different proportion of spices.

Festival Adaptations – Aval for Onam/Pongal

Aval is a popular dish during Onam and Pongal festivals in South India. It’s often served as part of the traditional sadya (feast).

Serving Suggestions

Aval is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• With a ripe banana
• With your favourite chutney (coconut chutney is a classic!)
• As a side dish with sambar

Storage Instructions

Aval is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The texture will soften, but it will still be tasty!

FAQs

What is Aval and is it healthy?

Aval is flattened rice flakes, a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It’s a good source of carbohydrates and fibre, making it a relatively healthy option, especially when prepared simply like this.

Can I use pre-soaked Aval?

If you’re using pre-soaked aval, reduce the amount of water you add in step 5. You might not need any at all!

What can I substitute for avocado oil?

Coconut oil, sunflower oil, or any other neutral-flavoured oil will work well.

How do I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Reduce the number of green chillies, or remove the seeds for a milder flavour.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the onion-chilli mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, simply add the aval and coconut when you’re ready to serve.