How to Prepare a Delicious Onam Sandhya: A Guide to the Onam Feast
Onam is a ten-day long festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a time of joy and festivities, and a key part of the celebrations is the Onam Sandhya, a sumptuous feast comprising of traditional Kerala dishes. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing an Onam Sandhya:
- Appetizers: Start the feast with a range of appetizers, including banana chips, plantain fritters, and onion pakoras. These can be made in advance and stored in airtight containers.
- Main Course: The main course of the Onam Sandhya consists of several vegetarian dishes, served on a banana leaf. Some of the must-have dishes include sambar, avial (a vegetable curry made with coconut and yogurt), thoran (a dry vegetable dish), and olan (a coconut milk-based stew). You can also include non-vegetarian dishes, such as chicken or fish curry.
- Rice and Bread: Rice is a staple in Kerala cuisine, and no Onam Sandhya is complete without it. Serve steaming hot rice along with appams (rice pancakes) and parathas (layered flatbread).
- Desserts: End the meal on a sweet note with a range of traditional desserts, including payasam (a sweet pudding made with milk and sugar), ada (sweet rice dumplings), and halwa (a dessert made with semolina and sugar).
- Beverages: Serve traditional beverages like tender coconut water, buttermilk, and sugarcane juice.
Remember, the key to a successful Onam Sandhya is to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and to prepare everything with love and care. So gather your family and friends and enjoy this sumptuous feast together.
Conclusion:
Onam Sandhya is a time to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Kerala, and the feast is an important part of the ten-day long festival. With this guide, you can prepare a delicious Onam Sandhya at home, comprising of traditional Kerala dishes. From the appetizers to the desserts, the Onam Sandhya is a feast that will leave your taste buds craving for more.