Top 20 Popular Onam Sadhya Menu Choices

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Onam Sadhya is a traditional feast in Kerala, India, comprising an elaborate spread of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The key to creating a mouthwatering Onam Sadhya lies in mastering the art of balancing flavours, textures, and aromas across the various dishes.

From the tangy Avial to the creamy Parippu Payasam, each dish contributes to a harmonious culinary experience for Malayalis, as Sadhya means banquet in Malayalam. This nine-course meal is not only served during the Onam Festival but also for other religious occasions and weddings, making it a staple in Kerala cuisine.

And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious vegetarian feast featuring dishes such as mezhukkupuratti, Thoran, Avial, pachadi, puli inji, papadum, pradhaman, palapa payasam, and many more, all of which can be found in our collection of Sadhya recipes?

Experimenting with variations of classic recipes while staying true to traditional techniques can offer a unique twist to your Onam Sadhya. Whether you choose to incorporate fusion elements or stick to authentic preparations, let your creativity shine through in every dish you serve.

Read this blog as we share the 20 dishes on the Onam Sadhya menu, their nutritional values, and recipes.

20 Amazing Onam Sadhya Menu Dishes For Your Fest

Want to feast on Onam Sadhya?  Check out these Onam Sadhya Menu items along with the preparation technique.

1.  Chakka Pradhaman (Jackfruit Payasam)

 

Chakka Pradhaman is a must-try dessert for Onam, made with delicious jackfruit jam. A famous Kerala sweet for festive occasions, it stands out as a fantastic payasam recipe. The dish showcases the versatility of jackfruit in Indian cuisine.

Ripe jackfruit is cooked to create chakka varatti, a thick jam that forms the base of the payasam, adding natural sweetness and a tropical flavour. Parboiled rice is cooked in coconut milk until creamy, jaggery syrup is added for sweetness, and chakka varatti is mixed in along with ghee-roasted cashews and raisins.

2. Palada Pradhaman

 

Palada Pradhaman is a decadent dessert made with rice ada, sugar, and milk. This traditional dish is beloved during Onam celebrations. The rice ada, thin rice flakes, add a unique texture and absorb the creamy, sweetened milk flavours.

Cook the ada until soft, and simmer in milk until creamy. Add roasted cashews and raisins for crunchiness and sweetness. Serve warm or chilled. This is a must-try dessert for anyone enjoying traditional Kerala cuisine, specifically ada pradhaman, during Onam!

3. Unniappam (Neyyappam)

 

Unniappam, also known as Neyyappam, is a popular deep-fried dessert from Kerala made with rice, jaggery, banana, ghee, and cardamom powder. This sweet treat is a delightful blend of flavours and textures.

Prepared during festivals like Onam and Vishu, Unni appam is beloved by locals. The batter consists of soaked rice, jaggery syrup, ripe bananas, and cardamom powder. Fried to perfection in ghee or oil, it boasts a crispy outer layer and a soft interior.

While the traditional recipe remains popular, regional variations exist. Some versions include grated coconut or roasted sesame seeds for added flavour.

Also Read: Know how to make Unniappam?

4. Paal Payasam

 

To make a delicious bowl of paal payasam, cook the rice in milk until it becomes creamy and rich in flavour. Paal payasam, also known as rice kheer, is a traditional South Indian dessert often served during special occasions and festivals like Onam. The key to making an excellent paal payasam is using the right ingredients and techniques.

Several variations of paal payasam depend on the region and personal preferences. While the traditional recipe calls for raw red rice or unakkalari, you can also use Rose Matta or non-sticky rice. The main ingredients include milk, sugar or jaggery for sweetness, cardamom for flavouring, and ghee-roasted cashews and raisins for garnishing.

5. Dry Fruit Kesari

 

Dry Fruit Kesari, a sweet dish from Kerala made with rava and dry fruits, offers both delicious flavours and nutritional benefits. Rava is rich in iron and calcium, while almonds, cashews, and raisins provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Variations include adding saffron for colour or cardamom powder for flavour.

Healthier options using jaggery or whole wheat flour are also available. Serve at festive occasions like Onam Sadhya with silver leaf garnish or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy it alone or paired with traditional Indian sweets like laddus.

6. Nenthra Pazham Pachadi (Ethapazham Pachadi)

Nenthra Pazham Pachadi is a delightful culinary creation from Kerala cuisine that showcases the region’s rich flavours and traditional cooking techniques. This dish highlights ripe plantains cooked with a harmonious blend of jaggery, tamarind paste, coconut, and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours that dance on the taste buds.

The use of ripe plantains adds a natural sweetness to the dish, while the jaggery enhances it further with its deep caramel-like undertones. The addition of tamarind paste imparts a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavour profile. Coconut brings a creamy texture and a hint of nuttiness to the pachadi, elevating its richness.

7. Avial

 

Avial is a traditional Kerala dish that perfectly embodies the flavours of South India. This vegetarian delicacy features an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, beans, drumsticks, and plantains cooked to perfection in a rich coconut-based gravy.

What sets Avial apart is its unique blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, and curry leaves that give it a distinctive aroma and taste. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals from the colourful array of vegetables used, including cucumber. It is often served with steaming hot rice or alongside crispy dosas and fluffy idlis, making it a staple in Kerala’s culinary repertoire.

8. Ulli Theeyal

 

When you desire a rich and flavorful Kerala dish, Ulli Theeyal is the ideal option. This traditional dish, with its dark brown colour, resembles sambar. The key ingredients in Ulli Theeyal include roasted coconut, coriander seeds, dried red chilli, fenugreek, and tamarind water, along with vegetables and yoghurt.

There are various versions of Ulli Theeyal to experiment with. Some recipes suggest incorporating shallots or onions for added flavour, while others play with different spice combinations for a unique twist. Regardless of the variation you opt for, Ulli Theeyal is guaranteed to please a crowd.

9. Mor Kuzhambu

 

Mor Kuzhambu is a delightful and tangy dish that originates from South India. This traditional curry is made with a base of buttermilk combined with an array of aromatic spices and vegetables, creating a symphony of flavours in every bite.

The buttermilk used in Mor Kuzhambu is rich in probiotics that promote gut health and aid in digestion. Spices like cumin, coriander, and fenugreek seeds not only enhance the taste but also provide anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that boost immunity.

10. Kalan

 

For an enhanced Sadhya experience, consider trying Kalan, a traditional Kerala dish incorporating buttermilk, raw plantain, and coconut. Kalan boasts a harmonious fusion of zesty flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. This dish is crafted using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.

Kalan not only pleases the palate but also confers numerous health advantages. The presence of probiotics from buttermilk supports gut health and aids in digestion. Additionally, the coconut in the recipe imparts vital nutrients like beneficial fats and vitamins.

While the core components remain constant, various versions of Kalan can be savoured across different Kerala regions.

Know how to make Kalan at home

11. Olan

 

Olan is a traditional Kerala delicacy that embodies the essence of the region’s cuisine. It features pumpkin, coconut milk, and occasionally red cowpea beans. Renowned for its presence in Onam Sadhya, the elaborate feast commemorating the harvest festival of Onam, Olan epitomises comfort and richness in flavour.

The preparation process of Olan involves simmering ash gourd (also known as white pumpkin) slices until they reach a tender consistency, followed by the addition of coconut milk to impart a velvety texture to the stew.

12. Erissery

When preparing erissery, a traditional Kerala dish commonly served during the Onam festival, consider combining pumpkin and beans for a tasty and nutritious meal. This recipe blends the flavours of pumpkin with the protein-rich beans for a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Erissery not only tastes delicious but also provides various health benefits, such as promoting healthy digestion due to the high fibre content in beans and offering vitamins A and C from pumpkin. Furthermore, incorporating coconut adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.

13. Pulissery

 

Pulissery, a beloved traditional dish originating from the vibrant state of Kerala in India, is renowned for its creamy consistency and tangy taste profile. This culinary masterpiece harmoniously blends the richness of yoghurt, the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes, and the delightful texture of grated coconut.

A highlight during the elaborate Sadhya feast, which is a significant part of the auspicious Onam festival celebrations, Pulissery’s distinctive combination of ingredients contributes a burst of flavour to the festive banquet.

14. Parippu Curry

 

Parippu Curry, a staple dish in Kerala cuisine and an essential part of Onam Sadhya, is a mouthwatering traditional dal curry beloved for its comforting flavours. This simple yet flavorful dish is made with lentils, specifically Kerala red rice, also known as Matta rice, cooked to perfection and tempered with aromatic spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chillies.

The creamy texture of the lentils combined with the fragrant seasoning creates a delightful harmony of tastes that is sure to please your palate. For a variation, you can also make kootu curry mambazha pulissery or moru curry with the addition of curd and pineapple to add a tangy and sweet twist to the menu.

Parippu Curry is not only delicious but also nutritious, as lentils are a great source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. It is often served with steamed rice, ghee, and a side of pickle to enhance the overall dining experience. The combination of flavours and textures in Parippu Curry makes it a favourite among locals and tourists alike, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.

15. Ethakka Thoran

Ethakka Thoran, a delectable Kerala dish crafted from raw bananas, is a treat for the taste buds. This traditional recipe showcases Kerala’s culinary expertise through its intricate blend of flavours and textures.

This classic Kerala delicacy is not only a feast for the senses but also a reflection of the rich culinary heritage of the region. Enjoyed as a side dish or accompaniment to rice, Ethakka Thoran is a must-try for those looking to savour authentic South Indian flavours.

16. Sambar

Sambar is a flavorful South Indian dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious. To prepare a tasty sambar, start by boiling lentils until they are soft, and then add a mix of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, including yam and beetroot. This dish complements various South Indian staples like rice, idli, dosa, or Pongal.

If you’re planning to cook an Onam Sadhya, the first thing you should do is grind coconut, green chillies, and cumin together in bulk, as most dishes have the same base. Then, you can start with the sambar, cooked in coconut oil, followed by other dishes like Parippu curry, rasam, and moru curry.

Apart from its delectable taste, sambar offers several health benefits as it is packed with protein and fibre from lentils and vegetables. For those looking for quick and easy cooking methods, using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time while retaining the authentic flavours of the dish.

Also Read: How to make Sambar?

17. Rasam

Rasam, a tangy South Indian soup enjoyed as an appetiser or with rice, offers versatile flavours and ingredients. Variations include diverse spices like pepper, cumin, and coriander, each adding a unique twist. Besides its delicious taste, Rasam is packed with vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and aid digestion. Ingredients like tamarind, garlic, cabbage, and turmeric provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Making Rasam may seem daunting for beginners, but with a step-by-step guide, it’s straightforward. Complement it with side dishes like papadum, pickle, or yoghurt rice.

18.  Ethakka Upperi

If you desire a tasty and crunchy snack, ethakka upper is an ideal choice. This classic Kerala dish consists of thinly sliced plantains deep-fried until crispy. Ethakka upper is available in different versions, with some variations incorporating spices such as turmeric or chilli powder to enhance the flavour.

Aside from being a delicious indulgence, ethakka upperi provides numerous health advantages. Plantains are packed with fibre, potassium, and vitamins A and C. They can assist in digestion, strengthen the immune system, and support skin health. Therefore, enjoying this snack can be a guilt-free pleasure!

19. Sharkara Upperi

 

Sharkkara upperi, a traditional Kerala snack, offers a unique combination of crispy banana chips coated in sweet jaggery syrup, creating an irresistible flavour profile. This beloved treat is popular not only for its delightful sweetness but also for its crunchy texture, which makes it a favourite among snack lovers.

This mouthwatering snack is perfect for various occasions, whether as a tea-time indulgence or as part of festive celebrations. Its simple yet delicious preparation makes it a versatile treat that people of all ages can enjoy. The next time you crave a unique and flavorful snack, consider making some sharara upper to tantalise your taste buds with its irresistible blend of sweet and savoury notes.

20. Puli Inji

To create Puli Inji, mix fresh ginger, jaggery, and chillies to produce a zesty condiment with nutritional advantages. Regional adaptations in India involve using tamarind or lemon juice for tartness and incorporating spices such as fenugreek for added taste. Customise the flavours to your liking. Puli Inji, also known as instant mango pickle, is recognised for its distinct flavour and flexibility, providing both palatability and health perks. Ginger assists in digestion and enhances immunity, while jaggery contributes sweetness and vital minerals.

Know how to make Puli Inji at home.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the top 20 popular recipes for Onam Sadhya! From the delicious Chakka Pradhaman (Jackfruit Payasam) to the mouthwatering Unniappam (Neyyappam), these dishes will tantalise your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savoury, there’s something for everyone in this traditional Kerala feast.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking. These recipes are guaranteed to impress your family and friends on any festive occasion. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is eaten in Onam Sadya?

Onam Sadhya is a grand feast in Kerala that is traditionally served on banana leaves. It consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Avial, Thoran, Parippu Curry, Sambar, Rasam, Pulissery, and more. The meal is completed with desserts like Payasam and Pradhaman.

Are there any specific etiquettes to follow while partaking in an Onam Sadhya meal?

Etiquettes to Follow During Onam Sadhya Meal include wearing traditional attire, sitting cross-legged on the floor, and eating with your hands. It is customary to start the meal with a banana leaf placed in a specific direction and end by folding the leaf towards you.