Olan

Olan is a typical traditional Kerala dish served as a part of the Sadhya. Sadhya means banquet in Malayalam. Sadhya is a variety of vegeterian dishes traditionally served on a banana leaf.

Olan is very easy to make as not many ingredients get into it, but still a very tasty dish. There are no spices used [except chilies]. All the other ingredients in a proper proportions give this dish a heavenly taste. Both the varieties of pumpkin are used in equal quantities.It has a very unique,pleasant and an inviting aroma which itself makes you crave for it.

Ingredients :

Black eyed beans - 3/4 cup

White pumpkin - 1 cup

Yellow pumpkin - 1 cup

Green chilies  -  2-3, slit

Coconut milk - 2 cup

Coconut oil  - 2 tbsp

Curry leaves - 2 sprigs

Salt - to taste

Method :

1. Soak the black beans overnight. Pressure cook it with 2 cups of water, for 2 whistles. Take off from heat.

2. Boil both the pumpkins along with salt and green chilies till done.

3. In a deep bottomed pan,mix the boiled vegetables and the cooked black beans together and adjust the seasoning, and keep on fire.

4. Pour the hot coconut oil tempered with curry leaves into the vegetable mix.

5. Add the coconut milk, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

6. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with boiled rice.