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by Monika

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Onam Recipes: Olan | Ashgourd and Red Beans Stew

Olan is a very unusual combination of Ash gourd with red lentils in a mild coconut stew. Another must have dish in Onam Sadya and so easy to make that it will surprise you.

Let me admit, Olan is not one of those dishes that I instantly fall in love with. In fact, I think the first time I ate it I didn’t like it at all. But slowly, it has grown on me. And think the turn happened with this recipe that my friend shared.

Olan Recipe

The simplicity of this dish is what really makes it a winner. Whether it is the simplicity of making it or just the facts that it has 5 ingredients and may be 3 steps to follow. And yet the flavors are so robust. It is actually a pleasant surprise to see these dish come together. The first time I made it, I thought it will be a bland non-interesting dish. But really how far from the truth my imagination was.

Yes, it is not spicy, but the flavour of lentil and coconut milk shine like nothing else. And that slight hint of chilly in the end makes it really delightful. Until this year, I had always made this dish with white karamani or lobhia. But my Onam consultant for this year, clearly told me that I shouldn’t do that. And like a good student, I listened to her.Though, I have seen many recipes with the white version she told in their house they always use the red beans. And if for some reason the red beans aren’t available, the next option is the whole green moong dal or long beans (fresh green). Yet another example of the same dish, so many variations in India.

Olan

Yet another difference in her recipe and the ones that I have made before is the addition to arbi to it. Just one or two but I think it adds a lovely body to the stew. This certainly has become my favourite Olan recipe from here on.

Do try this and when you do share a picture with me. Tag #sinamon on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I would love to hear from you. The good things, the brick bats and if you want any clarifications about the recipe.

Easy Olan Recipe

Onam Recipes: Olan | Ashgourd and Red Beans Stew

Olan is a very unusual combination of Ash gourd with red lentils in a mild coconut stew. Another must have dish in Onam Sadya and so easy to make that it will surprise you.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Main Course, Main Dish, soups stews
Cuisine Indian, kerala, south indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small ash gourd
  • 2 arbi
  • 200 ml coconut milk first press
  • 3 green chillies split
  • 1/4 cup red karmamani (cow peas)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 5 curry leaves
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cut the ash gourd into chunky pieces after removing skin. Cook with some water along with slit green chillies and couple of pieces of peeled and cubed arbi
  • Boil beans till just done. We want them cooked but not mushy
  • In a heavt bottom mix red lentil and ashgourd. Add required salt. Pour coconut milk and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 mins, Don't allow to boil.
  • Add the curry leaves and a teaspoon coconut oil. Switch off the heat and it is ready to be served
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Diet Options// Festivals/Holidays// Indian Curries & Sabjis// Indian Festivals// Mains// Soups & Stews// Under 30 minutes// Vegan// VegetarianLeave a Comment

« Onam Recipes : Puli Inji | Inji Curry | Tamarind & Ginger Relish
Onam Recipes : Inji Thayir | Ginger & Green Chilli Raita »

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About the Author

Monika is an ex-IT person turned into a food blogger, consultant, home baker and an amateur food photographer. She loves music, writing, food, and travel, but not necessarily in that order ;)

Sin-A-Mon Tales is a canvas for her food memories. Apart from Sin -A- Mon Tales, Monika also writes for many online websites and publications. She's an avid reader and can always be found with a book in her bag, which mostly is as bright as her. She's an obsessive traveler and is always looking for the next food story. Read More…

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