Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is incomplete without the grand Onam Sadya – a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. A typical Sadya can include anywhere from 12 to 26 dishes, each adding its own unique taste, color, and aroma to the meal. From spicy curries to crispy sides and sweet desserts, this festive spread reflects Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
If you’re wondering what to cook this Onam, here are some must-try recipes for a perfect Sadya.
1. Avial – A Vegetable Medley
Avial is a signature dish of Sadya, made with a mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, beans, yam, and drumsticks, cooked in coconut, curry leaves, and a hint of curd. It’s mildly spiced and balances the Sadya platter with its wholesome taste.
Quick tip: Use coconut oil generously to enhance its authentic flavor.
2. Olan – Pumpkin and Ash Gourd Stew
Olan is a light, mildly flavored curry made with ash gourd, pumpkin, cowpeas, and coconut milk. This dish stands out for its delicate taste and is a refreshing counterpoint to spicier dishes on the platter.
3. Thoran – Stir-fried Veggies with Coconut
Thoran is a dry dish prepared with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, beans, or carrots, stir-fried with grated coconut and curry leaves. It adds crunch and freshness to the Sadya.
4. Kalan – Raw Banana and Yam Curry
Kalan is a thick, tangy curry made with yam, raw banana, buttermilk, and ground coconut paste. Its slightly sour taste makes it a delicious addition to the Onam feast.
5. Erissery – Pumpkin and Lentil Curry
Made with pumpkin, red beans, and coconut, Erissery is both nutritious and flavorful. Garnished with roasted coconut, it brings a slightly sweet taste to the Sadya.
6. Pachadi – Sweet and Tangy Yogurt Dish
Pachadi comes in different varieties, like pineapple pachadi or beetroot pachadi. It’s prepared with yogurt, coconut, and mustard, offering a unique sweet-sour flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
7. Pulissery – Buttermilk Curry
This curry is made with yogurt, coconut paste, and spices, usually cooked with vegetables like cucumber or ash gourd. Its cooling taste balances the richness of other dishes.
8. Pappadam and Banana Chips
No Onam Sadya is complete without crispy pappadam (papad) and banana chips. They are served first on the banana leaf and add crunch to the feast.
9. Payasam – The Sweet Finale
Payasam is the star dessert of the Onam Sadya. Popular varieties include Ada Pradhaman (made with rice flakes, jaggery, and coconut milk) and Palada Payasam (made with milk, sugar, and rice flakes). Creamy, rich, and sweet, Payasam marks the perfect end to the grand meal.
Serving the Onam Sadya
Traditionally, all these dishes are served on a fresh banana leaf in a specific order, with rice at the center. The idea is to create a balance of flavors – spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory – in one wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for Onam is not just about preparing food; it’s about celebrating tradition, family, and the joy of togetherness. Whether you cook the full spread or a smaller version, these recipes will help you enjoy the spirit of Onam at home.
