OLAN

 

This is a Keralite dish , which is generally made from  white ash gourd or yellow pumkin. This could be made from the combination of both vegetables too.This is a very simple preparation which is eaten with rice . Its a must in Onam Sadya or feast . However its a bland non spicy dish. Its pairs well with spicy arachuvitta Sambaar or a fiery jeera pepper  Rasam . When you get Ashgourds in plenty , make this recipe and enjoy.

Generally cowpeas (Kaaramani) are used along with Ashgourd and Yellow pumpkin.  It requires very few ingredients and needs hardly any preparation .  Its ideal for people on  vegan  or paleo diet. The rich creaminess of coconut milk and sweetness or pumpkin , mild spiciness of green chilies will be a dish you will savour .

 

Ingredients

Ingredients

  1. Ashgourd 1 cup ( chopped into medium sizes )
  2. Pumpkin 1 cup ( chopped or cubed in medium sizes)
  3. Coconut shredded 1cup
  4. Green chilies 2 to 4  ( sliced into two )
  5. Cow peas half a cup ( soaked for 2 hours)
  6. Salt 2 teaspoon
  7. Curry leaves few
  8. Coconut oil 2 tablespoons

Method 

Method

 

  • Cook  Pumpkin ,Ashgourd pieces  and cowpeas along with curry leaves, salt and green chilies for one whistle in pressure cooker .
  • Do not cook them mushy , they should be soft to touch and bite .
  • Extract coconut milk , adding half a cup of water to the shredded coconut and blending in a mixie.  Squeeze and strain to  extract the coconut milk.
  • Add the coconut milk to the cooked vegetables and mix well . Drizzle coconut oil on top .
  • Enjoy the Olan with hot rice .

Note

Note

  1. You can use either Ashgourd or Pumpkin or a blend of both for Olan.
  2. Ready made coconut milk can be used , instead of extracting coconut milk.
  3. Instead of cowpeas , you can use Kaaramani or long  beans in Olan.
  4. You can completely avoid , using coconut milk and just steam the vegetables and cowpeas and  garnish them with coconut .