10 Iconic Onam Sadhya dishes to relish

1. Sambar

Sambar is a quintessential dish in the Onam Sadhya, featuring a hearty lentil-based stew cooked with a mix of vegetables and tamarind. This flavorful curry is seasoned with a blend of spices and is a staple accompaniment to rice. Its tangy and spicy profile makes it a perfect start to the feast.

2. Parippu Curry

Parippu Curry, a comforting lentil dish, is made with moong dal (green gram) and is cooked in a mildly spiced coconut gravy. It is typically served with a dollop of ghee on top, enhancing its rich and creamy texture. This dish is both nutritious and satisfying, making it a favourite at the Sadhya.

3. Avial

Avial is a mixed vegetable dish cooked in a coconut and yoghurt-based sauce, enriched with curry leaves and green chillies. This dish combines a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, beans, and potatoes, and is seasoned with coconut and yoghurt, creating a unique and flavorful curry that complements the other dishes.

4. Thoran

Thoran is a dry vegetable preparation that incorporates finely chopped vegetables, usually cabbage or beans and is sautéed with grated coconut, garlic, and spices. This dish adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour to the Sadhya, balancing the richness of the other items.

5. Moru Curry

Moru Curry, also known as Kerala-style buttermilk curry, is a tangy and mildly spiced dish made with yoghurt and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fenugreek. This cooling and refreshing curry provides a delightful contrast to the spicy and rich dishes in the Sadhya.

6. Pachadi

Pachadi is a sweet and sour yoghurt-based side dish made with fruits or vegetables, such as pineapple or cucumber. It is seasoned with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, adding a refreshing and zesty note to the meal.

7. Olan

Olan is a mild and aromatic curry made with ash gourd and black-eyed peas, cooked in a coconut milk base. This dish is subtly flavoured with coconut and seasoned with curry leaves, creating a delicate and creamy curry that pairs perfectly with rice.

8. Upperi 

Upperi, or crispy banana chips, are a crunchy snack made from thinly sliced raw bananas that are deep-fried until golden and crisp. These chips add a delightful crunch to the Sadhya and are often enjoyed as a side or snack during the feast.

9. Ada Payasam

Ada Payasam is a traditional Kerala dessert made with rice flakes, jaggery, and coconut milk. This sweet and creamy pudding is flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins, offering a rich and indulgent end to the Sadhya.

10. Pulikachal

Pulikachal is a tangy and spicy tamarind-based chutney that complements the other dishes in the Sadhya. Made with tamarind, jaggery, and spices, this chutney adds a zesty kick and balances the flavours of the meal.

The Onam Sadhya is a culinary celebration that reflects the diversity and richness of Kerala’s food culture. Each dish in the feast has its unique taste and contributes to the overall experience of this grand festival.

Trying these traditional dishes not only offers a glimpse into the flavours of Kerala but also allows you to partake in the joyous and festive spirit of Onam. So, this Onam, indulge in these delectable dishes and savour the true essence of the festival with every bite.