We believe that life's little pleasures, like sharing a meal with loved ones, can turn any ordinary day into a treasured memory. As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Onam, we're reminded of the beauty of celebrating everyday connections. This Onam, let's bring that magical feeling to our homes with the authentic flavours of Kerala and the exquisite charm of Servewell dinnerware, as we embark on a heartwarming journey of love, laughter, and scrumptious delights. Onam is more than just a date on the calendar; it's an emotion that binds the hearts of families and communities together. The essence of this beautiful festival lies in the simplicity of daily activities like the joy of sharing laughter with friends, the warmth of reuniting with loved ones, and the comfort of home-cooked meals that transport us back to our roots.
Just as the colourful Pookalam is adorned at our homes, Onam teaches us to find joy in everyday moments. Gathering for dinner becomes magical as our elegant serving platters hold the delightful Onam Sadya
> Onam Sadya: A Feast for the Soul:
Onam Sadya is not just a meal; it's an expression of love, respect, and a deep-rooted connection to our culture. The delicious spread of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf brings together the diverse flavours of Kerala in perfect harmony. Each bite is a journey through the rich culinary heritage of the region, leaving a lasting impression on our taste buds and hearts.
Here are a few delectables from the extravagant Onam Sadya that makes the festival complete:
> Pineapple Pachadi
Among the many delectable dishes of Onam Sadya, Pineapple Pachadi stands out with its delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced flavours. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that you can easily prepare at home and serve with love using the favourite pieces from your dinnerware
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ripe pineapple, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup yoghourt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2-3 dry red chilies
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Salt to taste
In a bowl, mix the chopped pineapple, grated coconut, yoghurt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Keep it aside.
Recipe:
- In a pan, heat coconut oil and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add dry red chilies and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds.
- Pour this tempering over the pineapple mixture and mix well.
- Serve the Pineapple Pachadi with love on your beautiful dinnerware and let your loved ones savour the authentic flavours.
> Avial - A Wholesome Vegetable Medley:
Avial is a signature dish of Onam Sadya, known for its delightful mix of vegetables and coconut-based gravy. It's a wholesome and nutritious recipe that perfectly balances the flavours of various vegetables. Here's how you can prepare Avial:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, raw banana, drumsticks, pumpkin, etc.), chopped into thin strips
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1 green chilli, chopped
- 1/2 cup yoghourt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- In a pan, add the chopped vegetables along with a little water and cook them until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- Grind the grated coconut, green chilli, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder to a coarse paste. Add this paste to the cooked vegetables and mix well.
- Add yoghurt to the mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Heat coconut oil in a separate pan and add curry leaves. Pour this tempering over the Avial and give it a quick stir.
- Serve the delicious Avial in a small plate, and watch your guests relish this heavenly medley of flavours.
> Palada Payasam - The Irresistible Rice Pudding:
No Onam Sadya is complete without Palada Payasam, a luscious rice pudding that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The delicate aroma of ghee and the richness of coconut milk make this dessert truly heavenly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup palada (rice ada)
- 1 litre full-fat milk
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup jaggery, grated
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A few cashew nuts and raisins for garnishing
Recipe:
- In a large pan, boil the milk until it reduces to half its quantity.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook the palada (rice ada) with water until it becomes soft. Drain the water and set the cooked palada aside.Add the cooked palada to the reduced milk and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens further.
- In another pan, melt the grated jaggery with a little water to make a syrup. Strain to remove any impurities and add the jaggery syrup to the milk and palada mixture.
- Stir in the coconut milk and let the Payasam simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- In a small pan, heat ghee and fry the cashew nuts and raisins until they turn golden brown. Garnish the Payasam with these fried nuts and raisins, and a pinch of cardamom powder.
Serve the heavenly Palada Payasam in your favourite bowls, and indulge in the sweetness of this traditional Onam dessert.
So, this Onam, let all these recipes be the soulful notes that fill your heart with warmth and joy. With elegant dinnerware and serveware, your celebration becomes a journey of love, laughter, and cherished traditions and moments turn into memories. Here's to a feast that nourishes not just your body but your soul as well. Happy cooking and Happy Onam!