Onam Sadhya is an important part of Onam, a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. It is a culinary extravaganza soaked in mythology and tradition.
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The multi-course vegetarian feast is typically served on a banana leaf with over 20 food items. These range from snacks to curries and pickles to desserts served with rice.
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Onam Sadhya is served on a banana leaf. A banana leaf is considered hygienic as its coating does not allow dust to settle on it. Besides, it has the natural antioxidants Polyphenols that can prevent diseases.
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This special meal is traditionally eaten while sitting on the floor and using the hands, which is considered a healthy habit as per Ayurveda.
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The plating and order of eating a Sadhya meal is also based on science. It begins wth salt, pickles and chips that prepare the digestive system for the meal. It ends on a sweet note with a dessert.
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According to experts, Onam Sadhya consists of 26 different types of food items made with over 60 ingredients. It gives people a chance to savour flavours ranging from sweet and salty to sour and spicy.
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Ingredients such as coconut and jaggery make it a healthy affair. What's interesting is that while you will see rice on the banana platter, Onam Sadhya does not have any wheat-based dishes.
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The dishes are also rich in spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mustard seeds and more. This adds to the health benefits of the Sadhya meal.
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Some of the most common dishes you may find in Onam Sadhya are include Pappadam, Avial, Thoran, Chor, Sambhar, Kichadi, Rasam, Kootu Curry and Payasam.