Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Olan ~ Vishu Special


Olan-4

Any sadya is incomplete without Olan,so they say.I read somewhere that Olan is the 'soothradharan'* in a sadya,since there are so many dishes served in your plate/banana leaf it becomes impossible to taste each one individually without another taste masking the original.So before you taste any curry,have some Olan,which would clear the taste buds and you can taste the curry to its fullest,without any over powering taste of other dishes,isn't that cool?

Olan-2


I can not prove this though,since I made only Olan and not a sadya!


Olan can be made in many ways.Here,I have used Ash gourd and pumpkin with Red Cowpea beans.I have seen many versions which use ash gourd alone,or paired with pumpkin without the beans.


Olan-1



Olan


Ingredients


Ash gourd - 1 cup,thinly sliced
Pumpkin - 1/2 cup,thinly sliced
Green chilly - 1-2,slit lengthwise
Red cowpea beans - 3 tbsp
Coconut milk - 3/4 cup[1/4 cup thick coconut milk and 1/2 cup thin milk]
Salt to taste
Coconut oil - 1-2 tsp


Method


Cook the beans in a pressure cooker in enough water till tender,drain and keep aside.
Cook the ash gourd,pumpkins and green chillies in thin coconut milk adding enough water till the vegetables are soft.[do not add more water since ash gourd releases water as it cooks].
Mix in the cooked beans and salt to taste and let it come to a boil.
Simmer and add thick coconut milk.
Switch off the flame and add a tsp of coconut oil on top and crushed curry leaves.


Olan-3


How did we like it - Olan is a very mild curry which tastes best with a fiery thoran or mezhukkupuratti on the side.I made some hot potato roast and the combination was terrific!

*I have no clue how to translate soothradharan,probably the closest is - mastermind?

Sending this to The Kerala Kitchen,an event hosted by Ria and Magpie.


21 comments :

  1. Olan has come out superb...I was about to make it on vishu...As you said its really a special dish and very tasty too...

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  2. Havent tasted olan but looks vey tempting

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  3. I love this very very much! But havenot tried with this red bean,always had the other chick peas white in colour..so add that,have to try this with red one..
    I love coconut oil in this best!

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  4. Hello Divya

    Just two days back I was discussing this recipe with my mom. Nice to see it here :-)

    http://www.cinnamonnchillies.com/

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  5. Olan looks soo marvellous,wat an authentic dish..

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  6. Loved this authentic olan!!
    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

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  7. lovely pics. and liked the addition of pumpkin to Olan.

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  8. wow.....nice recipe..want to taste it....:)

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  9. Delicious looking Olan...vishu already here. Happy vishu to u and family.

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  10. this looks so healthy nd delicious,..never tried cooking with ash gourd,..will try this sometime

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  11. Is it Vishu already? Goodness, time flies so soon!

    Olan looks great! I've never made an Olan till now :D

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  12. Thats a very lovely recipe Divya, have tasted it in some restaurants, never tried. Like the pictures.

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  13. I love Olan ... Happy Vishu!!!yummmm

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  14. Wow it looks sooo tempting .. feel like having it right now :)

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  15. this is new to us! thanks dear

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  16. Havent tasted olan but looks very yummy...

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  17. I love olan a lot. This looks yummy and superb with hot rice.

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  18. Olan adipoli!! Looks finger-licking good!

    Oh btw, I'm thrilled to join your fan club for all your updates..:)

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Love,
Divya.

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