Traditional Palakkadan Olan Recipe – Pumpkin and Green Beans in Creamy Coconut Milk
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Traditional Palakkad Style Olan Recipe – Pumpkin and Green Beans in Creamy Coconut Milk |
"Palakkad Style Olan Recipe – A Simple, Creamy Kerala Delicacy for the Perfect Sadhya"
Palakkad Style Olan Recipe - A Sadhya Essential
Olan is one of the simplest yet essential dishes in traditional Kerala cuisine, specifically a vital component of the grand Onam Sadhya. It’s known for its mild flavours, making it the perfect companion for enhancing the taste of other vibrant dishes in a Sadhya spread. Unlike heavily spiced dishes, Olan boasts a creamy texture, subtly enriched by the natural sweetness of pumpkins and ash gourds, with a luscious touch of coconut milk. Whether it’s served during festive occasions or enjoyed as a side dish for a regular meal, Olan always hits the spot. Ready to bring a taste of Kerala’s Onam Sadhya to your table? Try this authentic Palakkad-style Olan recipe today!
What is Olan?
Olan is a mildly spiced traditional dish from Kerala, South India, prepared primarily with ash gourds, pumpkins, and cowpeas/red beans (depending on the region). The dish is gently cooked in coconut milk and drizzled with coconut oil for a fresh aroma, complemented by the earthy fragrance of curry leaves. Though considered a bland dish compared to other Sadhya items, its simplicity allows the vibrant flavours of the rest of the meal to shine, making it a vital part of Kerala's culinary heritage.
Variations of Olan
Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style
In the regions of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and parts of Kollam and Idukki, the Olan is made using ash gourd, pumpkin, and cowpeas or red beans. A generous amount of coconut milk is added to this version, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
For Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan Recipe, click here...
Palakkad Style
The Palakkad variation, which we’ll explore in this recipe, is slightly different. This version skips the cowpeas/red beans and focuses solely on pumpkins, ash gourds (most households omit this ingredient too), and green beans (long beans). The vegetables are cooked with slit green chillies, laced with fresh coconut milk, and finished with a drizzle of coconut oil. In some cases, the dish is even made without coconut milk, making it a simpler yet equally delicious option (when cooked for a weekday lunch).
Why Olan is Essential in a Sadhya
Olan’s mildness plays a key role in balancing the heavy, spiced, and fried dishes in a traditional Kerala Sadhya. Its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and smooth coconut flavours make it a calming dish amidst the more fiery offerings like Sambar, Avial, and Pickles. The delicate aroma of Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil and curry leaves rounds off the taste, bringing a quintessential taste of God’s Own Country to your plate.
Key Ingredients
- Pumpkin: Provides natural sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Long Beans: Adds a slight crunch and freshness to the dish.
- Green Chillies: Infuse a mild heat without overpowering the coconut milk’s richness.
- Coconut Milk: The star of the dish, offering creaminess and a slight sweetness.
- Coconut Oil: A drizzle enhances the aroma and adds a distinctive Kerala touch.
- Curry Leaves: Offers an earthy, aromatic finish.
Cuisine - Kerala (South India)
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Low
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 4
Author - SM
Cooking Time - 15–20 Minutes
"Let’s Get Cooking: How to Make the Authentic Palakkad-Style Olan"
Traditional Palakkad Style Olan Recipe – Pumpkin and Green Beans in Creamy Coconut Milk
Traditional Palakkad Style Olan Recipe – Pumpkin and Green Beans in Creamy Coconut Milk
Palakkad Style Olan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin (cubed)
- ½ cup Long Green Beans (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3-4 Green Chillies (slit lengthwise)
- 1 cup Thick Coconut Milk (freshly extracted or canned)
- 1/2 cup Thin Coconut Milk
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- Salt to taste
- A few Curry Leaves (for garnish)
- A pinch of Sugar (optional)
For a step-by-step guide on How to make Coconut Milk, explore the link...
Method: Step-by-step guide on How to make Palakkadan Olan
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and cube the pumpkin and ash gourd. Cut the long green beans into 2-inch pieces.
- Slit the green chillies lengthwise.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In a pot, add the pumpkin, and long beans along with the green chillies.
- Add thin coconut milk to cover the vegetables and cook on medium heat until they are soft and tender.
Add Coconut Milk:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, lower the heat and gently stir in the thick coconut milk.
- Simmer for a few minutes, making sure not to let the coconut milk boil, as it may curdle.
Season the Olan:
- Add salt to taste and add a pinch of Sugar to balance the overall taste.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Finish with Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves:
- Turn off the heat and drizzle a tablespoon of coconut oil over the Olan for a final aromatic touch.
- Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves.
Serve:
- Your Palakkad-style Olan is now ready to be served. Enjoy it warm as a part of your Onam Sadhya or as a side dish for lunch.
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Traditional Palakkad Style Olan Recipe – Pumpkin and Green Beans in Creamy Coconut Milk |
Pro Tips & Notes for Perfect Olan
- Use fresh, thick coconut milk for the best taste. Canned coconut milk works in a pinch, but nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade coconut milk.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Avoid boiling the coconut milk as it can curdle. Keep the heat low when adding the milk.
- A drizzle of coconut oil and finishing it off with a fresh garnish of Curry Leaves at the end is essential for the authentic taste of Kerala.
Want more easy and authentic Kerala recipes? Follow my blog for a treasure trove of traditional dishes that bring the flavours of God's Own Country to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this Palakkad Style Olan Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day or a festive feast.
- Mild & Creamy: Its subtle flavours balance out spicier dishes, offering a creamy and comforting side to any meal.
- Versatile: Enjoy it during Onam Sadhya or any regular meal, this Olan is a simple, wholesome addition to your table.
Planning your Onam Sadhya? Make sure to bookmark this recipe or pin it for later. It’s sure to be a hit!
This Palakkad-style Olan recipe brings together the essence of Kerala in its most humble and flavourful form. The mild sweetness of pumpkins, the soft texture of ash gourd, and the creamy richness of coconut milk create a delightful dish that enhances any meal. Whether you’re preparing for an Onam Sadhya or simply craving a comforting Kerala dish, this Olan recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the traditional flavours of God’s Own Country with every bite!
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