5 traditional dishes you must try this Onam
What's the story
Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is incomplete without the Onam Sadya, a lavish feast featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes. Each dish, prepared with seasonal ingredients and age-old recipes, reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. From savory to sweet, the Sadya provides a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, making it a true celebration on a plate.
#1
Avial
Avial is a wholesome, creamy dish made with a medley of vegetables, coconut, and yogurt, seasoned lightly with curry leaves and green chilies. This colorful preparation is not only visually appealing but also brings a unique balance of flavors, combining the natural sweetness of vegetables with gentle spices, making it a central and unmissable part of every Onam Sadya spread.
#2
Olan
Olan is a light, creamy dish made with ash gourd (or pumpkin) and cowpeas, cooked in coconut milk and flavored with coconut oil, curry leaves, and a hint of green chilies. Its mild sweetness and smooth texture make it a soothing, gentle dish that balances the spicier flavors on the Onam Sadya, adding harmony and richness to the festive platter.
#3
Kaalan
Kaalan is a rich, creamy curry made with yogurt, yams, and raw bananas, cooked in a spiced coconut gravy. The tanginess of the yogurt perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a distinctive flavor. A traditional Kerala dish, kaalan is a festival favorite and an essential part of the Onam Sadya.
#4
Pachadi
Pachadi is a Kerala specialty made with yogurt and fresh vegetables or fruits, flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. If you enjoy light and mildly spiced dishes, pachadi is perfect for you. Its refreshing taste balances the richer dishes on the Onam Sadya, adding a cool and soothing touch to the festive meal.
#5
Payasam
Payasam is a beloved sweet treat during Onam. Prepared with rice, vermicelli, or lentils simmered in milk with jaggery, it is creamy, rich, and comforting. It is often garnished with cardamom, fried cashews, and raisins, and can be served warm or chilled. This aromatic dessert adds a festive charm and provides the perfect sweet ending to the grand Onam Sadya feast.