A happy dozen: Get ready for Onam with these 12 classic recipes

Onam is a traditional harvest festival from the southern Indian state of Kerala celebrated over 10 days with boat races, special cuisine, floral arrangements and tableaus. Legend has it that the ancient demon king Mahabali comes to mark the annual harvest and spend time with his subjects.

Malayalees around the world, including expats in the UAE mark this tradition with elaborate vegetarian meals served on banana leaves. Here are some classic Onam recipes published previously that would help amp up your preparations.

Pachamanga Kichadi or raw mango curry in yoghurt

Rasakalan or pumpkin and white gourd in coconut gravy

Olan or cow beans and ash gourd in coconut milk

Kootu Curry or roasted coconut with vegetables and chickpeas

Mathanga Kaya Erissery or pumpkin and banana curry

Ethaka Upperi or salted banana chips

Pineapple pachadi or pineapple in sweet and spicy coconut curry

Beetroot pachadi or tangy beetroot in tempered yoghurt curry

Pavakka thoran or bitter gourd stir fry

Cherupayar Ari Payasam or green gram and rice pudding

Parippu payasam or lentil pudding

Ari sarkara payasam or rice and jaggery in coconut milk pudding

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