Olan (dish) facts for kids
 |
|
| Alternative names | ഓലൻ |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Southern regions of the Indian subcontinent |
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Associated national cuisine | India |
| Variations | Standard, Nambudiri |
Olan is a special dish from the state of Kerala in South India. It's known for its light and gentle flavor. This tasty food is made with white gourd (also called ash-gourd) and black-eyed peas. It also includes creamy coconut milk and a touch of ginger.
To make it even more delicious, it's seasoned with coconut oil. Olan is often served as part of a big traditional meal called a Sadya.
Contents
What is Olan?
Olan is a simple yet flavorful vegetable stew. It's a key part of the famous Kerala cuisine. This dish is loved for its mild taste, which comes from its main ingredients. It's a great example of how delicious food can be made with fresh, natural ingredients.
How to Make Olan
Making Olan is quite easy! Here's a simple way to prepare this traditional dish.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Black-eyed beans - 1 cup
- White pumpkin (or ash-gourd) - 1 cup, chopped
- Green chiles - 3 to 4
- Coconut milk - 1½ cups
- Curry leaves - 5 to 6
- Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
Steps to Prepare Olan
- First, soak the black-eyed beans in water overnight. This makes them softer and easier to cook.
- The next day, cook the soaked beans in a pressure cooker until they are about three-quarters done.
- Then, add the chopped white pumpkin, salt, and the green chiles (cut lengthwise).
- Cook these ingredients with a little water until both the pumpkin and beans are fully soft.
- In a separate small pan, heat the oil. Add the curry leaves to the hot oil for a few seconds. This is called "tempering" and adds a lot of flavor.
- Pour this hot, flavored oil and curry leaves into the cooked vegetable mixture.
- Finally, add the coconut milk. Let the dish simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. Do not boil it too much after adding coconut milk.
Different Kinds of Olan
While the basic Olan recipe is popular, there are some variations. For example, the Nambudiri community in Kerala makes a slightly different version of Olan. These small changes can give the dish a unique twist!
