Sadya is the traditional vegetarian meal of Kerala specially prepared in Onam celebration and in marriages.A Sadya can have about 24-28 dishes served as a single course. In old days, the Sadya had 42 items but now the items are reduced to 11 so that every people can prepare the items without much expense. The dishes are served on specific places on the banana leaf in specific order. Sadya is special in Thiruvonam to show Mahabali that the people are still happy and prosperous like his ruling period. The serving of Sadya is in a specific order from left to right for easy eating. Large quantity dishes are at the right side to take them frequently using right hand. Sadya is a highly nutritious balanced diet and each recipe has its own value 1. Banana leaf – It is used because it is hygienic and provides sufficient area to serve all the dishes. more over cleaning the room after the meal is easy. 2. Rice – Rich in Carbohydrates that provides energy 3. Banana chips- Starter item that give sufficient time to the digestive system for secreting the enzymes. 4. Parippu, Ghee and Papad- Provides Protein, Fat and Salt 5. Sambar – Contains all most all vegetable that provides vitamins. It contains Kayam that stimulates the digestive enzymes. 6. Aviyal – A mixture of Vegetables and Coconut. It act as a Filler and provides vitamins 7. Kalan or Pulisseri – Contains curd which is highly proteinaceous. It is served after the Payasam because, its Sour taste reduces the hangover of sweetness. 8. Olan – Prepared using Pulse and Cucumber. It is served at the end of Sadya to clean the digestive tract. Cucumber is a good Cleansing agent and the Pulse is large in size to clean the digestive tract while moving through the tract. 9. Thoran – Contains Kaduku , Geerakam and a vegetable. Kaduku and Geerakam are useful for stimulating the digestive enzymes. 10. Pickles – Helps to stimulate the Taste buds of the tongue to enjoy the taste of full meal. 11. Rasam – Served last and helps for completing the digestion very fast. 12. Payasam – Sweet pudding that makes the feeling of fullness and the mind will be happy after the meal.
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:45:37 +0000