PADAVALANGA THORAN/STIR-FRIED SNAKE GOURD

• It has the ability to reduce fever
• Hydrate the body
• Detoxifies the body
• Improves Digestion
• Relieves Constipation
• Strengthens the Immune System
• Helps to reduce the risk of DIabetics.
• Aids in Weight Loss 
• Improves & strengthens the Hair

• Cabbage Thoran
• Cabbage, Carrot & Beans Thoran
• Achinga Payar/Long Beans Thoran 
• Cheera/Spinach Thoran 
• Beetroot Thoran/Poriyal 
• Vendakka/Okra Thoran
• Pavakka/Bitter Gourd Thoran
• Cheru Payar Parippu/Yellow Moong Thoran
• Cheru Payar/Green Moong Thoran
• Kovakka/Ivy Gourd Thoran
• Padavalanga/Snake Gourd Thoran 
• Mathanga/Yellow Pumpkin Thoran 
• Vazhakoombu/Plantain Flower Thoran
  

HOW TO COOK PADAVALANGA THORAN/STIR-FRIED SNAKE GOURD

INGREDIENTS :

For Tempering :

METHOD :

• Clean, wash & cut the ends of the Snake Gourd.
• Scrap and remove the white coloured coating over the skin.
• Cut the vegetable into halves, remove the white portion at the centre with seeds.
• Chop the snake gourd into tiny cubes and keep it aside.
• Finely chop Shallots, Green Chillies & Garlic.
• Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Bengal Gram/Urad Dhal and Curry Leaves.
• Add finely chopped Shallots, Green Chillies, Garlic and saute until shallots turn translucent.
• Add chopped Snake Gourds along with a dash of Salt & a pinch of Sugar.
• Cover and cook briefly.
• Add in grated Coconut and mix well.
• Cook for a while on a low flame.
• Snake Gourd/Padavalanga Thoran can be served along with Rice & Curry or as one of the side dishes in a Sadhya.

NOTES :

• Can add a pinch of Turmeric if preferred.
• Some do not add Onions & Garlic while cooking for a Sadhya.
• Adding Garlic is truly optional.
• I have used Coconut Oil in the recipe, can use any other vegetable oil. 

DELICIOUS PAYASAMS FOR A SADHYA

DELICIOUS PAYASAMS FOR A SADHYA

LETS TALK ABOUT PAYASAM...

 PALADA PAYASAM/PRADHAMAN

PALADA PAYASAM/PRADHAMAN

AMBALAPUZHA PAAL PAYASAM/ARI PAYASAM

AMBALA PUZHA PAAL PAYASAM/ARI PAYASAM

ADA PRADHAMAN

ADA PRADHAMAN

GOTHAMBU PAYASAM - BROKEN WHEAT PAYASAM

GOTHAMBU PAYASAM - BROKEN WHEAT PAYASAM

PARIPPU PRADHAMAN

PARIPPU PRADHAMAN

VERMICELLI PAYASAM/SEMIYA PAYASAM 

VERMICELLI PAYASAM/SEMIYA PAYASAM

JAVVARI PAYASAM/SAGO PAYASAM

JAVVARI PAYASAM/SAGO PAYASAM

ELANEER PAYASAM/TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

ELANEER PAYASAM/TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

NEYPAYASAM

NEYPAYASAM

CHAKKA PRADHAMAN/JACKFRUIT PAYASAM 

CHAKKA PRADHAMAN/JACKFRUIT PAYASAM

JACK FRUIT & RICE PAYASAM - PONSA GHARAI

JACK FRUIT & RICE PAYASAM - PONSA GHARAI

MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN/MANGO PAYASAM

MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN/MANGO PAYASAM

NENDHRA PAZHA PRADHAMAN 

NENDHRA PAZHA PRADHAMAN

MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS

MATHANGA PIDI - SWEET PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS

AVAL PAYASAM WITH ROCK SUGAR

AVAL PAYASAM WITH ROCK SUGAR

CARROT PAYASAM/KHEER

CARROT PAYASAM/KHEER

THENGA PAAL PAYASAM

THENGA PAAL PAYASAM

FIRNI

FIRNI

DELICIOUS PAYASAMS FOR A SADHYA

"Ellavarkkum Ente Hridhayam Niranja Onasamsagal."

MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN - MANGO PAYASAM

HOW TO MAKE MAMBAZHA PRADHAMAN  - MANGO PAYASAM

INGREDIENTS :

METHOD :

• Add Jaggery into the 3/4 Cup of water, boil this on a high flame for few minutes.
• Lower the flame and boil for another 5-6 minutes until the Jaggery is melted.
• Switch off the flame.
• Strain the melted Jaggery for any impurities.
• Peel, Core & Cut the Mangoes and discard the Seeds.
• Cut the Mangoes and drop the pieces into a blender.
• Puree the Mangoes and keep it aside.
• Heat Ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan/brass Uruli.
• Fry the Coconut Pieces on a very low flame until it turns aromatic and into light golden colour.
• Add Cashew Nuts and Raisins to the Ghee and fry until Raisins fluffs-up.
• Pour Puree Mangoes to the above and cook on a low flame stirring occasionally.
• Cook this on a low flame for about 5-7 minutes.
• Gently pour the Jaggery Syrup to the above ingredients and give a quick stir.
• Boil it on a low flame for about 8-10 Minutes.
• Powder the Cardamoms with few teaspoons of Sugar into a fine powder. 
• Add Cardamom Powder and Dry-Ginger Powder to the above and mix well.
• Pour thin Coconut Milk into it and cook on a low flame for few minutes.
• Finally, add Thick Coconut Milk and leave it on a low flame for a few minutes, stirring it continuously.
• Switch off the Mambazha Pradhaman/Mango Payasam.
• Serve Mambazha Pradhaman/Mango Payasam hot or cold.

NOTES :

• Can also add few small pieces of Mangoes along with Mango Puree.
• Adjust the amount of Jaggery to suit your taste preference.

ELANEER/KARIKKU PAYASAM - TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

HOW TO COOK ELANEER/KARIKKU PAYASAM - TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

ELANEER/KARIKKU PAYASAM - TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

• Grind half the amount of Tender Coconut Shavings along with 1/4 Cup of Tender Coconut Water & Cardamom Pods into a fine Paste & keep it aside. 
• Cut the remaining Coconut Shavings into small pieces and keep it aside.
• Mix the ground paste along with Milk & remaining Tender Coconut Water.
• Mix the ingredients until well combined, make sure there are no lumps.
• Boil this mixture on a heavy-bottomed pan/Uruli.
• Cook this on a low flame stirring continuously for few minutes.
• Pour in the Condensed Milk, small pieces of Coconut Shavings and give a quick stir.
• Boil this on a low flame stirring it occasionally until Elaneer Payasam reaches the desired consistency.
• Switch off the flame.
• Serve Elaneer Payasam hot or cold.  Tastes better when cold/refrigerated.

ELANEER/KARIKKU PAYASAM - TENDER COCONUT PAYASAM

NOTES :

• Use slightly thick Tender Coconut Shavings for this recipe.
• Adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
• Adding Cardamom is purely optional.
• I have not added Cashew Nuts & Raisins roasted in Ghee in Elaneer Payasam. Can add it if you prefer.
• Can substitute condensed milk with add 1/3 Cup of Sugar & additional 1 Cup of Milk.

KOOTTUKARI - PALAKKADAN STYLE KOOTTUKARI

HOW TO COOK KOOTTUKARI - PALAKKADAN STYLE KOOTTUKARI

INGREDIENTS:

For Koottukari:

To Saute & grind Coarsely :

To Roast & for Tempering :

METHOD:

To Saute & grind Coarsely: 

• Heat Coconut Oil in a pan, let the flame be at low.
• Add slit Green Chillies, a Sprig of Curry Leaves, Peppercorns and 1/3 Cups of grated Coconut to the oil.
• Fry this briefly on a very low flame for 1–2 minutes.  The idea is to get rid of the raw smell from the ingredients.
• The Coconut shouldn't be over fried.  It should turn just glossy.
• Immediately grind the ingredients into a coarse mixture.
• Keep this aside.

For Palakkadan Koottukari :

• Clean and wash the Bengal Gram Dhal 2–3 times or until water runs clear.
• Soak it with ample of water for 20–30 minutes.
• Once soaked, discard the water used for soaking.
• Pour 1-11/2 Cups of Water to the Bengal Gram Dhal and cook it along with Turmeric Powder.
• The dhal should not be over-cooked or turn mushy.
• Meanwhile, Peel & Cut Yam & Ash Gourd into Cubes.
• Once the Dhal is cooked, add the cubed Elephant Yam along with a dash of Salt & Red Chilli Powder.
• Stir, Cover & Cook this on a low flame until the Elephant Yam is 3/4 cooked.
• Now add the cubed Ash Gourds, cover & cook this along with the above ingredients on a low flame until both the vegetables turn soft and cooked.
• Now add the ground coarse mixture and mix well.
• Gently mix the ingredients until it is well combined.
• Care should be taken not to mash the Dhal & Vegetables.
• Add Jaggery and leave it on a very low flame for a few minutes.

To Roast & for Tempering :

• Heat Coconut Oil in a Pan.
• Splutter Mustard Seeds, Dry Red Chillies & Curry Leaves in it.
• Add 1/2 Cup of grated Coconut and fry this on a low flame until it becomes golden brown in colour.
• The coconut should be roasted until it is fragrant and crunchy.
• Care should be taken not to burn the Coconuts while roasting it, which will spoil the overall taste of this Koottukari.
• Pour the Tempering to the Koottukari and mix well.

NOTES:

• I have used Bengal Gram Dhal in the recipe which is unique to Palakkadan Koottukari.
• Some regions of Kerala cook the same recipe with Black Chick Peas. Cook accordingly.
• The Dhal & Vegetables shouldn't be over-cooked or turn mushy.
• Ample of Coconut Oil & Coconut used in the recipe gives an authentic taste. Adjust to your preference.
• While tempering and roasting, the grated coconut should be roasted on a low flame until it turns into golden brown, fragrant and crunchy.
• This gives an extraordinary texture and flavour to this Palakkadan Koottukari.

Authentic Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Creamy Olan Recipe

Authentic Olan Recipe: A Traditional Kerala Sadhya Favourite

Olan: The Essence of Kerala Sadhya

    If you’ve ever experienced the rich, festive flavours of a Kerala Sadhya, you’ve likely tasted the creamy and subtle Olan.  Olan is a quintessential dish in traditional Kerala cuisine, known for its subtle yet rich flavours. This mild, creamy preparation of Ash Gourd, Pumpkin, and Cow Peas (or Red Beans) is a staple in Kerala Sadhya (feast). What sets Olan apart is its fragrant finishing touch of Coconut Oil and fresh Curry Leaves, making it a perfect complement to other dishes.

Explore the Rich Flavours of Olan: 

Madhya Thiruvithamkoor vs. Palakkadan Styles

    The Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style, originating from the Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, parts of Kollam, and Idukki regions, is known for its rich use of coconut milk. This style creates a creamy, luxurious Olan with a combination of Cow Peas, Red Beans & Ash Gourd, Pumpkins and adds copious amount of coconut milk that highlights the region’s preference.

    In contrast, the Palakkadan Style Olan is known for its simplicity and minimalism. My family’s version, which follows this style, uses local vegetables cooked in the coconut milk and focuses on a simpler combination of Pumpkin, Long Beans and Green Chillies, finished with a drizzle of Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves. This version is creamy & rich in its own subtle flavours.

 To read more about the Palakkadan Style Olan, its significance and cooking method, click the link...

History and Origin of Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan

    Madhya Thiruvithamkoor, also known as Central Travancore, is a region in Kerala that includes districts such as Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, parts of Kollam, and Idukki. This area is renowned for its rich agricultural lands and diverse culinary traditions. The use of coconut milk in Madhya Thiruvithamkoor style Olan reflects the region's abundant coconut cultivation and its integral role in local cuisine.

Culinary Significance

    The Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style of Olan is particularly celebrated for its generous use of coconut milk, which imparts a creamy texture and rich flavour to the dish. This style emphasizes the blending of local ingredients, such as Ash Gourd, Pumpkin, and Cow Peas, Red Beans with coconut milk, which is a staple in Kerala’s diet. The dish’s mild flavour is designed to complement the spicier and more robust dishes typically found in a traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast).

    In Kerala, Sadhya is not just a meal but a cultural event, often served during festivals and special occasions. The Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan, with its creamy coconut milk base, is a cherished component of this elaborate feast. The inclusion of Olan in a Sadhya signifies the importance of balance in flavours, where the subtlety of Olan enhances the overall dining experience, allowing the more intense flavours of other dishes to stand out.

"Unveil the Secrets of Easy Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Olan: Ingredients and Step-by-Step Guide"

Traditional Olan Recipe - A Kerala Classic

Ingredients for Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan

• Ash Gourd - 1 Cup, peeled and cubed
• Yellow Pumpkin - 1 Cup, peeled and cubed
• Cow Peas - 1/4 Cup
•  Red Beans - 1/4 Cup
  
• Green Chillies - 3-4, slit
• Thin Coconut Milk - 1 Cup
• Thick Coconut Milk - 1/2 Cup
• Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs
• Coconut Oil - 1 Tablespoon
• Salt - To Taste
• Sugar - A Pinch (Optional)

Method for Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan

Soaking and Cooking Beans

• Soak the Beans: Clean, wash, and soak Cow Peas and Red Beans in ample water overnight or for at least 6–8 hours. Alternatively, soak in hot water for 3–4 hours.
• Cook the Beans: Discard the soaking water. Add 3 cups of fresh water and pressure-cook the beans for 2 whistles on high flame, then lower the heat and cook for another 3–4 whistles. Ensure the beans are tender but not overcooked.

For a detailed guide & Tips on cooking Beans, Lentils & Pulses, click here...

Preparing the Olan

• Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the Ash Gourd and Yellow Pumpkin, and cut them into 1" cubes.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the cubed vegetables to the cooked beans, along with salt, slit Green Chillies, and one sprig of Curry Leaves.
• Cook with Coconut Milk: Pour in the thin Coconut Milk and cook the vegetables on a medium-low flame, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling.
• Finish with Thick Coconut Milk: Once the vegetables are tender, add thick Coconut Milk and a pinch of sugar (if desired). Cook on very low heat, gently stirring. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Add Final Touches: Turn off the heat, drizzle Coconut Oil over the dish, and add another sprig of Curry Leaves. Cover and let the Olan sit for 10–15 minutes to enhance the flavours.

Serve Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style Olan as part of a Kerala Sadhya or with rice for a comforting meal.

Pro Tips & Notes:

• Use fresh, thick coconut milk for the best taste.
• Avoid overcooking the Beans & Vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy.
• Keep the heat low to prevent curdling the coconut milk.
• Finish with a drizzle of coconut oil and curry leaves for an authentic taste.

For more traditional Kerala Recipes and Sadhya favourites, subscribe to [Essence of Life - Food]

Why You’ll love this Recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Mild & Creamy: Balances out spicier dishes with its comforting texture.
• Versatile: Ideal for festive occasions or everyday meals.

Bookmark this recipe for your Onam Sadhya or pin it for later. Enjoy the traditional flavours of Kerala with every bite!

Explore More Kerala Delights

Discover the flavours of Kerala with a wide range of recipes from Essence of Life - Food:

• Sadhya Side Dishes
  
• Palakkadan Style Olan Recipe
• Traditional Kerala Sadhya Menu
• Homemade Coconut Milk Recipe

    Olan, in its various forms, showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Whether you prefer the creamy Madhya Thiruvithamkoor Style or the simple Palakkadan Style, both versions offer a delightful taste of tradition. Try these recipes and bring the essence of Kerala to your table!