'Onam Sadhya': unforgettable delicacy from the legacy

We were on a family vacation in Kerala.

After some mesmerizing moments in this beautiful state, we reached Trivandrum.

Munnar, Thekkadi, Alleppy, Cochin… One after the other, these Keralian places were bringing us the surprising, refreshing and a new found vibe of ‘indianness’.

Though very crowded, the city of Trivandrum has its own unforgettable charm.

The museums, Shree Padmanabhaswamy temple, the city zoo, backwaters and the beach of Poovar... almost every place has its own intriguing opulence.

After a long day full of curious wandering, and a starving stomach, we found this place called the ‘Mother’s veg Plaza’ in the center of Trivandrum on Google.

This humble, down to earth place became my instant heartthrob and I had been planning to write this blog ever since I visited here.

We came to know the concept of ‘Sadhya’ food here.

It was indeed a feast of food that not only satisfied the appetite, but the aromas and tastes and ‘Sattvik’ subtleness just remained lingering on the taste buds till today.

I am not a great fan of Restaurant food and neither a food blogger.

Yet, I decided to write this.

This is probably the first and the only restaurant that serves ‘Onam Sadhya’ the year round. The owner has received many prestigious awards and was a pleasure to eat here in his humble company. He guided us for the sequence of the meal and spoke about the Healing effects of the ingredients and spices used.

Prepared on special occasions like the most important festival of ‘Onam’ or marriage ceremonies; ‘Sadhya’ food is in practice since centuries.

Eating this soulful food with hands, served step by step on a clean fresh banana leaf is not just a collection of various recipes; it’s a methodic sequence of scientifically cooked food using best local ingredients. It is considered auspicious and enriching.

To me, it is also something that connected me with myself and my roots!

When I see picture about Kerala, it instantly reminds me of Sadhya. It reminds me of the legacy of Indian ness that flows in me and my blood.

And I am sure, I will again travel to Trivandrum, just to eat here, if nothing else!

Here is a list of Sadhya recipes on a plate from the net :

1. Upperi

The one thing everyone loves the most - banana chips. A good handful is served at the very beginning followed by the other 25 dishes. Obviously by the time everything else arrives, you'll need another handful.

2. Sharkara Varatti

The sweeter version of banana chips. Made of jaggery, this hard to eat sweet will leave you wanting more.

3. Manga Curry

Plain old mango pickle to give your tongue a tangy taste of some amazing spices.

4. Naranga Curry

There will be two types of pickle in any onam sadhya for sure and this is the sour lemon pickle to add some zest to your taste buds. 

5. Ellisheri

A yummy dish made with pumpkin, red beans and a generous amount of grated coconut.

6. Pulissery

Made with curd and your choice of vegetable ranging from pumpkin to cucumber and topped with a gracious amount of grated coconut.

7. Kaalan

A signature dish made with yogurt, yam or raw banana or of course our favourite, grated coconut.

8. Olan

Ash gourd and red beans splashed with a generous amount of hand-pressed, authentic coconut milk.

9. Pachadi

A delicious yogurt-based curry made with either pineapple or bitter gourd and, of course, grated coconut.

10. Chenna Mezhkkupuratti

This is my personal favourite! Yam cut into thin slices, boiled with spices and fried in coconut oil. You can't resist another helping of this.

11. Inji Curry

A must have for Onam, Inji curry is ginger, tamarind and jaggery. In most malayali households, this is the first thing that is prepared in the days leading to the 10th day of Onam.

12. Parripu Curry

Plain old moong dal topped with red chillies, black sesame seeds. Top it with ghee and you'll be having a gastronomical heaven in your mouth.

13. Chor

Well, this is just rice. But on Onam, most Malayalis serve red rice. If you haven't tasted this version of rice, well, you're missing out in life.

14. Sambhar

An essential dish of the Onam Sadhya, Sambhar is cooked with every vegetable there is from beans to potatoes to yam. Everything goes in to making this wonderful dish!

15. Morru Kachiyatha

Yogurt boiled to perfection with black sesame seeds, shallots, ginger and garlic. If you're a Malayali, then you know it's one of those healthy, comfort food you so love.

16. Pappadam

Good old pappads made with rice flour. You'll need many of these to wholly enjoy your meal.

17. Avial

Mixed vegetables with grated coconut and made in coconut oil and milk. With so many dishes, this dish usually gets overlooked. But man, this is one tasty mixed vegetable dish you'll ever have.

18. Kichadi

Spicy yogurt with your choice of vegetable. It can be okra, cucumber or even bitter gourd. Add it to your rice and parippu, and see how you lick your fingers in the end.

19. Rasam

Spicy tamarind soup, sprinkled with a generous amount of curry leaves, mustard and tomatoes. Drink it up in the end for digestion or just add it with your sambhar and rice.

20. Kootu Curry

Raw bananas and black chana with grated coconut made into a dry curry. You'll never even know it's raw banana, that's how well it is cooked.

21. Neyy

Popularly known as ghee in hindi, it serves a very important purpose. A spoonful of it on top of the rice and parippu, and you'll be licking your fingers.

22. Inji Thayir

Loads of thinly-sliced ginger, mixed with yogurt, black sesame seeds and spices. This one is absolutely lip-smacking!

23. Thoran

A staple in every malayali household, thoran can be made from any vegetable. Usually, it's cabbage and carrots or just beans with grated coconut. Minimal cooking time and the perfect healthy dish to go with your Morru Kachiyatha.

24. Poovan Pazham

The smaller version of a banana, it adds taste to your payasam when mashed with hands and mixed well together. Don't forget to add a pappadam or two for that extra crunch.

25. Palada Pradhaman

The last dish that is served- a sweet dish made with milk, dry fruits and rice ada. The sweetness is just perfect to balance all the spices.

26. Pazham Pradhaman

Rice ada, cashew nuts, thinly sliced coconut pieces and jaggery. If you want to eat it the right way, refer to Poovan Pazham. You'll enjoy this delicacy much better.