The festival of Onam truly begins with Uthradam, often called the “first Onam.” On this day, houses are adorned with pookalams (floral carpets), the air is filled with joy, and preparations for the grand feast begin. Families welcome prosperity into their homes with a Uthradam Sadya – a wholesome vegetarian spread that sets the tone for the coming days.
Uthradam Sadya
The next morning, Onnam Onam is celebrated with another Sadya, adding to the festive cheer. Though slightly simpler than the grand Thiruvonam feast, these two days are just as special, with each dish cooked with love and tradition. From crispy pappadam, spicy kaalan, comforting olan, to sweet paayasam, the flavors bring everyone together around the banana leaf.
Crispy Pappadam
🥰 No Onam Sadya is complete without the golden crunch of crispy pappadam! Placed proudly on the banana leaf, its crackling sound adds joy to every meal. Whether paired with rice, sambar, or payasam, this simple yet iconic side brings a burst of flavor and texture that everyone loves.
Ari Pappadam – Vishu Special
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw rice Pachari
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds Ellu
- 1 tsp Asafoetida Kayam
- 2 tsp Cumin seeds Jeerakam
- 1 tsp Chilly powder
- Salt As reqd
Instructions
- For preparing ari pappadam – vishu special, first soak rice for few minutes.
- Grind together all the ingredients together with required salt.
- In a pappad steamer, spread the batter like small dosa and steam it for 10 minutes.
- Repeat for the rest of the batter.
- After steaming, spread the steamed pappad in a cloth and keep it under sunlight for drying till it turns crispy.
- Fry ari pappadam in oil and enjoy with porridge or rice.
Visit the Link: Ari Pappadam – Vishu Special Recipe – pachakam.com
Spicy Kaalan
The thick, tangy, and flavorful curry made with yogurt, coconut, and spices is a true Sadya gem. Its unique taste balances the richness of the feast, making every mouthful unforgettable. A must-have in every Onam leaf!
Kerala Style Kalan
Ingredients
- 100 g Raw banana Ethakkai
- 100 g Elephant yam Chena
- 50 g Green chillies slit
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- Salt As reqd
- 10 g Pepper powder
- 1 tsp Ghee
- 1 ltr Curd not too sour
- 1/4 of Coconut
- 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds Jeerakam
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil
- 2 nos Dry red chillies Kollamulaku
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds(roasted and powdered) Uluva
- Curry leaves Few
Instructions
- For preparing the tasty dish, first peel skin off the raw bananas and the yam.
- Cut vegetables into small pieces.
- Place the chopped vegetables along with salt, turmeric powder, pepper powder and water in a vessel and allow it to cook.
- Add the curd to the above mixture and mix well.
- Allow it to boil and when it thickens and finally gets reduced, remove from the flame.
- Grind together grated coconut and cumin seeds.
- Add the above ground mixture into the vessel and mix well.
- Heat oil in a small pan or a kadai.
- Add the above seasoning into the kalan and mix well.
- Add the roasted and powdered fenugreek into the dish and mix again.
- Cover the vessel with a lid to lock the flavour.
Notes
Visit the Link: Kerala Style Kalan
Comforting Olan
Olan is the soul of a Sadya – mild, creamy, and comforting. Cooked with ash gourd, cowpeas, and coconut milk, it soothes the palate amidst the spiced dishes. A simple yet soulful curry that brings balance and warmth to every Onam feast.
Olan
Ingredients
- 1/2 kg Ash gourd cut into small pieces, Kumbalanga
- 1/2 kg Pumpkin cut into small pieces, Mathan
- 100 g Beans cut in 1 inch length
- 5 nos Green chillies slit
- Salt As reqd
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 1 tsp Coconut oil
- Curry leaves Few
- Water As reqd
Instructions
- When it is cooked well, add coconut milk, coconut oil and curry leaves. Stir well and remove it from the flame.
- Olan is ready. Serve hot as a side dish with sadhiya.
- Specialties: Nadan recipe.
Visit the Link: Olan Simple And Easy Recipe – pachakam.com
Sadya Special Paal Payasam | Unakkalari Payasam
Paal Payasam, made with unakkalari (Kerala’s traditional raw rice), simmered in milk and sugar, is the crowning jewel of every Sadya. Its rich, creamy sweetness marks the perfect finale to the grand feast, filling hearts with joy and celebration. Truly, no Onam is complete without this timeless delicacy.
Sadya Special Paal Payasam | Unakkalari Payasam
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak rice for 20 minutes. Then wash it well.
- Take a wide and deep bottomed heavy pan or a pressure cooker. Add in the water, rice, sugar, cardamom powder, and the milk. Let it pressure cook on medium flame for two whistles.
- Then switch off the gas and let it cool. After cooling down open the cooker and add a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- So easy and tasty milk payasam is ready now.
Notes
Visit the Link: Sadya Special Paal Payasam | Unakkalari Payasam
Uthradam & Onnam Onam Sadyas are more than just meals – they symbolize the spirit of unity, gratitude, and abundance. Every bite carries the essence of Kerala’s cultural heritage, reminding us of the joy of togetherness.
These days mark the beginning of Onam feasting, where hearts are full, plates are fuller, and homes are overflowing with festive happiness.
A Simple One Day Meal Plan In Kerala Cuisine
Mullan Chakka Thoran | Mullatha Thoran | Soursop Stir Fry
A Simple One Day Meal Plan In Kerala Cuisine
A Simple One Day Meal Plan In Kerala Cuisine
Mullan Chakka Thoran | Mullatha Thoran | Soursop Stir Fry