Top 7 Onam Dishes to Savour This Festival

Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. This ten-day festival, which usually falls in the month of Chingam (August-September), is a time for festivities and a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is marked by grand processions, traditional music and dance, intricate floral designs (Pookalam), and, most notably, the grand feast, Onam Sadhya.

Onam Sadhya is more than just a meal; it is a culinary tradition that reflects the essence of Kerala’s diverse and flavorful cuisine. This elaborate feast, usually served on a banana leaf, consists of various vegetarian dishes prepared with utmost care and precision. The Sadhya symbolises unity and togetherness as families and communities come together to partake in this sumptuous meal.

The Onam Sadhya is not just about Onam meals; it is an experience that brings to life the rich cultural and culinary traditions of Kerala. 

In this blog, we will explore the history and origin of the Onam Sadhya and then list the top 7 must-try dishes that you should savor this Onam.

History and Origin of Onam Sadhya and Onam Dishes

The tradition of the Onam Sadhya dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of Kerala. Onam celebrates the bountiful harvest and its prosperity. The Sadhya, which means “banquet” in Malayalam, is a way of expressing gratitude for the abundant harvest and sharing it with loved ones.

According to legend, the Onam Sadhya was first offered to King Mahabali, the benevolent ruler of Kerala, who visits his people yearly during the festival. It is said that the people of Kerala prepare the Sadhya with great devotion and love as a mark of respect and gratitude to their beloved king. The Sadhya is also believed to be a reflection of the abundance and prosperity that prevailed during King Mahabali’s reign.

Over the years, the Onam Sadhya has evolved into a grand feast that showcases Kerala’s culinary diversity. It is a meal that brings together various flavors, textures, and ingredients, all of which are indigenous to the region. The Sadhya is typically served on a banana leaf, with each dish having a specific place and order. 

Top 7 Must-Try Onam Festival Food Items 

1. Inji Curry

Inji Curry, also known as Puli Inji, is a tangy and spicy ginger-based curry essential to the Onam Sadhya. Made with fresh ginger, tamarind, jaggery, and a blend of spices, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

2. Pachadi

Pachadi is a traditional Kerala dish made with yogurt, vegetables or fruits, and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. The dish is creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced, making it a refreshing accompaniment to the other rich and flavorful dishes in the Sadhya. 

3. Ellisheri

Ellisheri is a flavorful dish made with pumpkin and red beans, cooked in a coconut-based gravy. The dish is seasoned with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, and garnished with freshly grated coconut. Ellisheri is known for its rich and creamy texture, with a subtle sweetness from the pumpkin that is perfectly complemented by the nutty flavor of the coconut. 

4. Olan 

Olan is a light and delicate dish made with ash gourd (winter melon) and cowpeas (black-eyed peas), cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. The Onam special dish is mildly spiced, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. 

5. Kaalan

Kaalan is a thick and tangy curry made with yogurt, yams, and raw bananas cooked in a spiced coconut gravy. The dish is rich and creamy, with a distinctive tanginess from the yogurt that balances the sweetness of the vegetables. Kaalan is a traditional Kerala dish often served during festivals and special occasions, and it is an integral part of the Onam Sadhya. 

6. Thoran – Perfect Food Onam Festival

Thoran is a dry vegetable stir-fry made with finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. The dish is simple yet flavorful, with the coconut adding a nutty sweetness to the vegetables. Thoran is a versatile dish that can be made with various vegetables, such as cabbage, beans, or carrots. 

7. Avial

Avial is a medley of vegetables cooked in a thick coconut and yoghurt-based gravy flavored with curry leaves and coconut oil. The dish is a unique blend of flavours and textures, with creamy coconut gravy coating the tender vegetables. Avial is a quintessential Kerala dish that is both nutritious and delicious and a key component of the Onam Sadhya.

Experience Authentic Onam Flavors! Order Onam Festival Food Items Now on Swiggy!

If you’re craving the authentic flavours of Onam but don’t have the time to prepare a traditional Sadhya, Swiggy has you covered. You can now order these delicious Onam dishes from the comfort of your home and savour Kerala’s rich and diverse flavours. Whether you’re hosting an Onam feast or simply want to indulge in festive treats, Swiggy offers many options to satisfy your cravings. Order food online and experience the joy of Onam with a delectable Sadhya delivered right to your doorstep.

Conclusion of Onam Festival Food Items

Onam is not just a festival but a celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. The Onam Sadhya reflects this heritage, offering a feast that is as diverse and vibrant as the state itself. As you indulge in these delectable dishes, you are enjoying a meal and partaking in a centuries-old tradition that brings people together in the spirit of joy and gratitude.

FAQ

1. What is special about food Onam festival?

Onam food, particularly the Onam Sadhya, is special because it represents Kerala’s cultural and culinary richness. The Sadhya is a traditional feast that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, each with unique flavors and significance. It is a meal prepared with love and shared with family and friends during the Onam celebrations.

2. What is the food Onam festival called?

The feast of Onam is called “Onam Sadhya.” An elaborate meal typically consists of 26 to 28 dishes served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya is the highlight of the Onam festival and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

3. Which state is known for the Onam festival, apart from Onam dishes?

The state of Kerala, located in the southern part of India, is known for the Onam festival. The festival reflects Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and is marked by various traditional rituals, performances, and, of course, the grand Onam Sadhya.