10 Best Onam Sadya Recipes

Try out this collection of tried and tested Onam Sadya Recipes which will make your festival even more special. All the recipes listed are traditional Onam Dishes and a part of Onam Sadya.

What is Onam?

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala state of India and is celebrated with great enthusiasm with people all over the state and by Malayali’s (people from Kerala) across the world.

Traditionally this festival is celebrated with worship to Mahabali. Mahabali, a devotee to Lord Vishnu defeated devas and ruled the three worlds.

During a yagna to celebrate the victory, Lord Vishnu decided to test his devotion and came as a dwarf boy (Vamana).

When Mahabali offered this boy anything he would like, Vamana asked for property measuring three paces, which he readily agreed.

As the boy grew in size, he covered the three worlds in only 2 steps, so for the third pace, Mahabali offered himself, proving his devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu gave him a boon to return to his land every year, which is celebrated as Onam every year.

People across the state decorate their houses with flowers, buy new clothes to celebrate with their near & dear ones and make Onam Sadya Recipes to feast on.

Various festivities including traditional Kerala boat races, tug of war, traditional dances and music, etc are arranged for people to celebrate.

Onam Sadya is a must have feast consisting a number of local flavors served on a banana leaf on this day.

The dishes include local seasonal vegetables and fruits.

What is Onam Sadya?

No Onam is complete without a widespread of Onam Sadya items and there can be easily be two dozen items, even going up to three dozen or more served on a banana leaf.

I am listing some of the popular Onam Sadya Recipes below which are a must make for this festival.

These Sadya recipes are sourced from my Keralite friends and are as close to the traditional recipes as it can get.

So do try some of these Onam Sadya Recipes at home this year and make your own Onam Sadya.

Best Recipes

Vendakka Pachadi – Served for Onam Sadya, Vendakka Pachadi is more of a lady’s finger raita that has a blend of coconut and tempering as well. Here is a traditional recipe to make Vendakka Pachadi.

Pineapple Pachadi – Pineapple Pachadi is a soothing South Indian style side dishes that is technically a chutney but had like a curry. The word ‘Pachadi’ means pounded. And, this Pineapple Pachadi is sure to give a great punch of traditional Kerala cuisine to your taste buds. Refer my recipe and try it out super soon!

Beetroot Poriyal – Beetroot Poriyal is a nutritious sabzi prepared from beetroot, spices, coconut et al. It tastes too good when served with steamed rice, Sambar or Rasam. This South Indian Poriyal Recipe is a nice variation of umpteen Poriyals that are made in South India.

Rasam – Kerala Rasam is made using freshly ground spice mix and can be eaten with rice or as a drink. It is super easy and quick to make as well and can be whipped up in all of 15 minutes.

Sambar – I am just in love with the Kerala style of making Sambar. The freshly ground spices and coconut masala gives it a very different flavor which is very robust, coconutty and earthy and it is undoubtedly my favourite. After talking to few of my Keralite friends and doing my research on the internet, I have come up with a recipe which is lipsmackingly good.

Sambaram – All you need is curd and basic Indian spices for making this flavorful Onam cooler. I serve it during lunch. However, you could even serve as a cooler. Fall in love with the flavours of South by making Sambaram! Get started and include the recipe for Sambaram in your food diary.

Puli Inji – This Kerala style Ginger chutney or Puli Inji is an integral part of Onam sadya. It has bold flavors from ginger, jaggery and spices which are used to make this. To cook Puli Inji in a traditional way, try to use the darkest of the jaggery and tamarind. The dark color of Jaggery and Tamarind gives Puli Inji it’s gorgeous color.

Moru Curry – Moru Curry Recipe is Kerala style seasoned buttermilk which is served as a part of Onam Sadya. It can be made with or without coconut.

Instant Mango Pickle – Kerala Style Instant Mango Pickle is a tangy recipe made using raw mangoes and spices. I made this quick pickle while I was on my Onam Sadya spree. You just need basic pickle ingredients to make this accompaniment. I have used sesame oil, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, heeng, garlic and curry leaves et al to make this delicious pickle.

Beetroot Pachadi – Beetroot Pachadi is a chutney style dish of beetroot which is an integral part of Onam Sadya.It is quite easy to make and goes well with steamed rice.