The harvest festival of Onam is celebrated in Kerala with a grand vegetarian feast called Sadhya, which features a colorful spread of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. Pinterest boards are buzzing with Sadhya inspiration right now, making this the perfect moment to introduce your readers to this vibrant cuisine.
The beauty of Sadhya lies in its balance of flavors—spicy, sour, sweet, and tangy—prepared using seasonal produce, coconut, and fragrant spices. For food lovers, it’s an adventure into authentic South Indian flavors. Here are five must-try recipes that bring the spirit of Onam into your kitchen:
- Avial – a creamy mixed vegetable curry with coconut and yogurt.
- Ulli Theeyal – a tamarind and roasted coconut curry made with pearl onions.
- Pachadi – Kerala-style yogurt relish with cucumber, coconut, and mustard.
- Chena Upperi – crispy fried yam chips, a crunchy favorite.
- Ada Pradhaman – a decadent dessert made with rice flakes, coconut milk, and jaggery.
Each dish is vegetarian, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful. Together, they create a balanced, festive meal that’s not just about taste but also about tradition and celebration.
Ingredients (Avial Example):
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, drumstick, yam)
- ½ cup grated coconut
- 2 green chilies
- 1 cup yogurt
- Curry leaves & coconut oil
Instructions (Avial Example):
- Cook vegetables in salted water until tender.
- Grind coconut and chilies into a paste, add to vegetables.
- Stir in yogurt and finish with coconut oil + curry leaves.
Tips:
- Serve dishes together on a banana leaf for authenticity.
- Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.