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An Introduction to Onam Sadya (Feast)

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A guide to Onam sadya (feast) recipes, from vegetarian side dishes to desserts, whether you are making them at home or ordering them out.

onam sadya recipes


In general, Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, focuses on family get-togethers and happy moments. And without a doubt, the lip-smacking feast called Onam sadya always take the spotlight.

Vegetables are the stars of the show, and they’re cooked in a myriad of spices and coconut to bring you a world of flavors, textures, and deliciousness. Without a doubt, desserts (payasams) also play a significant role in balancing the spicy flavors from the vegetarian side dishes.

Whether you are hosting a fabulous feast for your friends or just whipping up a simple meal for your family in the comfort of your own home, every Onam sadya must feature the key traditional dishes. Here’s a rundown:

Served on fresh banana leaves, this traditional Onam sadya or vegetarian feast comprises of 15 – 25 dishes including delectable payasams or puddings to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

The dishes are served in a particular order starting with

  • Banana chips 
  • Colocasia chips (optional)
  • Banana chips sweetened with jaggery (sarkkara upperi). In some parts of the state, fried small chilies are also served.
  • Crispy pappadums and sweet bananas are two quintessential accompaniments to this feast.
  • The three types of pickles – ginger (puli inji), mango and lime (lemon curry) – can be made ahead to save time.
  • Now, the main vegetarian side dishes of this Onam feast.
  • Avial (Mixed vegetable curry)
  • Thoran (Vegetable & coconut stir fry)
  • Kichadi
  • Pachadi made with beetroot or pineapple (Vegetables in coconut yogurt sauce)
  • Erisseri (Pumpkin and green gram in coconut sauce)
  • Ulli Theeyal (Shallots in Coconut Sauce)
  • Koottu curry
  • Kaalan (Raw bananas & yam in tangy yogurt sauce)
  • Olan (Ashgourd in coconut milk)Once all these dishes are arranged on the banana leaf, serve rice topped with:
  • Parippu (dal) curry and a dollop of ghee.
  • One of the most important side dishes of this feast is served at this stage – sambar (lentils and vegetables curry) followed by pulisseri or even kaalan.
  • Finally, desserts (in this case payasams) are served. The king of payasams adapradhaman is served first followed by other varieties of payasams like palada pradhaman, semiya payasam and wheat payasam. Pal payasam (rice and milk pudding) is served last.
  • After desserts, moru (buttermilk) and rasam are also served.Now, if you want to create this feast for your family or friends, click here to view all the Onam sadya recipes. Make them and enjoy the array of exciting flavours and tastes.

Onam Sadya Recipes

Kerala Banana Chips

Very crunchy chips all the the way from Kerala. You won't be able to stop munching!

Pumpkin Erissery| Mathanga Erissery | Pumpkin in Spiced Coconut Sauce

Pumpkin and green gram in spiced coconut sauce.

Beetroot Pachadi | Beetroot in Coconut Yogurt Sauce

Spiced cooked beetroot mixed with yogurt. A perfect side-dish for rice.

Ulli Theeyal | Shallots In Coconut Sauce | Video

Shallots or small red onions cooked in fried coconut sauce - the perfect combo of spicy, tangy and sweet flavors all in one curry

Puli Inji | Sweet and Sour Ginger Pickle | Video

A traditional pickle highlighting the sweet, tangy and spicy flavors of ginger, tamarind and jaggery

Pineapple Pachadi | Pineapple in Spiced Yogurt Sauce

A traditional Kerala side dish served with rice.

Olan | Ash Gourd in Coconut Milk | Video

With ash gourds, pumpkins and cowpeas cooked in coconut milk , this olan recipe is the perfect way to enjoy classic flavors

Sambar | Lentil and Mixed Veggies Curry

This lentil and mixed veggies curry is healthy and easy to make .

Kalan | Raw bananas & Yam in Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Traditional Kerala Onam sadya recipe featuring raw bananas and yam cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce

Cabbage Thoran | Cabbage Stir Fry | Video

A simple stir fry featuring cabbage, coconut and subtle spices. Quick and easy side dish!

Aviyal

An easy way to include more vegetables in your diet.

Ada Pradhaman | Rice and Jaggery Pudding

Kerala style rice and jaggery pudding.

Paal Payasam | South Indian Rice Pudding | Video

South Indian version of rice pudding made of just 3 ingredients is guaranteed to impress everyone in your family.

Semiya Payasam (Kheer) | Vermicelli Pudding | Video

Traditional Kerala style pudding or payasam made with vermicelli, milk, sugar and ground cardamom.

Parippu Payasam | Moong Dal Pudding | Video

Take your dessert menu to another level with this decadent combination of split green gram, jaggery and coconut milk

Like this onam sadya guide? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube.

 

 

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