Savor the essence of Kerala Sadya, a vegetarian feast
A traditional Kerala Sadya is a vegetarian feast, beautifully laid out on a banana leaf. This lavish spread is a staple at cultural festivities like Onam and significant events such as weddings. Each dish in a Sadya enhances the others, crafting a meal that's not just rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, ensuring a balanced and delightful culinary experience.
Avial
Avial is a standout in the Kerala Sadya, featuring a medley of vegetables like carrots, beans, drumsticks, and more. These are enveloped in a rich mix of ground coconut and yogurt, seasoned with fragrant curry leaves and coconut oil. This thick concoction is not only pleasing to the palate but also brimming with fiber and vital vitamins for a nutritious boost.
Sambar
Sambar, a robust lentil-based curry, is essential to the Kerala Sadya. It combines toor dal (pigeon peas) with tangy tamarind juice and a variety of vegetables such as pumpkin and okra. The dish is brought to life with a special sambar powder, which is a mix of roasted lentils, fiery red chilies, aromatic coriander seeds, bitter fenugreek seeds, and the distinct flavor of asafetida.
Sweet payasam
Payasam, a must-have at any Sadya, is a sweet dessert soup. Rice or vermicelli is cooked in milk or coconut milk and sweetened with jaggery or sugar. It's often finished with a garnish of cashews or raisins. This dessert not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides energy and aids in digestion, making it the perfect end to a lavish meal.
Tangy puli inji
Puli Inji, a ginger-tamarind chutney, is a sweet, sour, and spicy addition to the Kerala Sadya. It features fresh ginger, which aids in digestion, and tamarind, rich in vitamin C. The sweetness comes from jaggery, complementing the heat from green chilies. This chutney not only excites the taste buds but also contributes to a well-rounded diet.
Crispy banana chips
Banana chips are a crispy treat in the Kerala Sadya, made from banana slices lightly coated with turmeric water. These slices are deep-fried in coconut oil until they turn a golden hue. They add a delightful crunch to the softer textures on the leaf, while also providing potassium and healthy fats from the coconut oil, contributing to the meal's nutritional balance.
