Planning an Onam Sadhya at home? From fluffy rice and comforting dal to aromatic spices, coconut, pickles and traditional desserts, having the right ingredients is the key to creating an authentic Kerala Sadhya.
Whether you're preparing a small family feast or a more elaborate traditional Onam Sadhya, this shopping list covers the essential ingredients you'll need to bring the flavours of Kerala to your table.
1. Sona Masoori Rice
Rice is the heart of every traditional Sadhya.
Sona Masoori Rice is a popular everyday rice variety that pairs beautifully with Sambar, Parippu, Avial and other Kerala-style preparations.
Use it for: Sadhya rice, Sambar, Parippu and other main-course dishes.
2. Toor Dal
Toor Dal is one of the most important pulses in a Kerala-style feast.
It forms the base of traditional Sambar and can also be used in other lentil-based preparations.
Use it for: Sambar and dal-based Sadhya dishes.
3. Urid Dal
Urid Dal is another useful ingredient in South Indian cooking and contributes to several traditional preparations.
It is also commonly used in snacks and accompaniments served alongside festive meals.
Use it for: South Indian preparations, snacks and traditional accompaniments.
4. Moong Dal
Moong Dal provides another versatile option for traditional Indian cooking.
It can be used in Parippu-style preparations, curries and other festive dishes.
Use it for: Dal preparations and selected Sadhya dishes.
5. Fresh Coconut
Few ingredients are as closely associated with Kerala cuisine as coconut.
Fresh grated coconut adds texture and flavour to dishes such as Thoran, Avial and various vegetable preparations.
Use it for: Thoran, Avial, chutneys and vegetable dishes.
6. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to many traditional Kerala recipes.
It is particularly useful for dishes such as Olan and several coconut-based preparations.
Use it for: Olan, curries and traditional Kerala dishes.
7. Jaggery
Jaggery is an essential ingredient for many traditional Indian desserts and festive preparations.
It brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that works especially well in Kerala-style Payasam.
Use it for: Jaggery Payasam and traditional sweets.
8. Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
Jeera, or cumin seeds, adds a warm and aromatic flavour to Indian cooking.
It is an important spice to keep in your kitchen when preparing traditional South Indian and Kerala dishes.
Use it for: Dal, vegetable preparations and spice blends.
9. Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are a classic ingredient in Kerala cooking.
They are often tempered in oil along with curry leaves and other spices to add aroma and depth to vegetables, pickles and other Sadhya dishes.
Use it for: Thoran, pickles, vegetable dishes and tempering.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric provides colour, aroma and earthy flavour to many Indian dishes.
A small amount can transform the appearance and flavour of Sambar, vegetable preparations and curries.
Use it for: Sambar, curries and vegetable dishes.
11. Green Chillies & Dried Chillies
Chillies bring heat and flavour to a wide range of Kerala Sadhya recipes.
Fresh green chillies can be used in curries and vegetable dishes, while dried red chillies are commonly used during tempering.
Use them for: Sambar, Thoran, Pachadi and other traditional dishes.
12. Curry Leaves
A Sadhya wouldn't be complete without the distinctive aroma of curry leaves.
They are commonly added during tempering and provide a characteristic South Indian flavour.
Use them for: Sambar, Thoran, Olan, curries and tempering.
13. Fresh Vegetables
Vegetables form a major part of a traditional Onam Sadhya.
Depending on your menu, you may need vegetables such as:
- Pumpkin
- Ash gourd
- Beans
- Carrot
- Cabbage
- Cucumber
- Raw banana
- Yam
- Drumstick
These can be used across dishes including Avial, Thoran, Erissery, Olan and Sambar.
14. Traditional Pickles
Pickles provide the perfect spicy, sour and tangy contrast to the milder dishes on a Sadhya plate.
Mango, lime and mixed vegetable pickles are popular choices.
Use them for: Serving alongside rice and Sadhya curries.
15. Palada
No festive Onam shopping list is complete without Palada if you're planning to prepare Palada Payasam.
Palada is used to make one of Kerala's most popular festive desserts — Palada Payasam.
Combine it with milk, sugar and aromatic ingredients to create a rich dessert that's perfect for an Onam celebration.
Bonus: Don't Forget These Onam Essentials
Depending on your Sadhya menu, you may also want:
- Coconut oil
- Tamarind
- Black pepper
- Fenugreek seeds
- Papad
- Banana
- Rice flour
- Traditional Kerala snacks
- Sadhya kits
- Fresh coconut products
Easy Onam Sadhya Shopping Checklist
Before you start cooking, make sure you have:
🌾 Staples
☐ Sona Masoori Rice
☐ Toor Dal
☐ Urid Dal
☐ Moong Dal
🌿 Spices
☐ Jeera
☐ Mustard Seeds
☐ Turmeric
☐ Green & dried chillies
☐ Curry Leaves
🥥 Coconut & Fresh Ingredients
☐ Fresh Coconut
☐ Coconut Milk
☐ Fresh Vegetables
🥭 Accompaniments
☐ Pickles
☐ Papad
🍯 Desserts
☐ Jaggery
☐ Palada
☐ Payasam ingredients
Bring the Flavours of Kerala Home This Onam
A great Onam Sadhya isn't just about preparing a large number of dishes. It's about using authentic ingredients and bringing together the flavours, traditions and warmth of Kerala.
From Sona Masoori Rice and Toor Dal to Jaggery, Jeera, Mustard Seeds, fresh vegetables and Palada, having your essential ingredients ready makes preparing your festive feast much easier.
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