April holds a special significance for various cultures and communities in India. This month marks the beginning of a new year for the people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Assam, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. According to the Malayalam calendar, the Kerala New Year is known as Vishu, which falls on the first day of the month of Medam. And as happens on festive occasions across the country, the Malayalee community certainly celebrates this day with fun, gaiety and feasting. Malayali New Year will be celebrated on 15th April this year. According to mythology, on this day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and warded off all evil.
Food is very important in Vishu. A big feast is organized to usher in the new year and Vishu Sadhya is served to the family members and guests. The food is traditionally vegetarian and is served on a banana leaf. The lower half of the leaf is reserved for main dishes and staples while the top half is for accompaniments. Vishu Sadhya consists of 12 to 20 dishes.
If you are planning to make Vishu Sadhya, here are five recipes you should consider.
1) banana chips
A handful of banana pieces fried in coconut oil is the essence of Vishu Sadhya. This is a vegetarian dish and gluten free. Spice up the chips with turmeric and red chili powder.
2) appam
Make this Rice and Coconut Pancake as a main dish for your Vishu Sadhya. Combine soaked rice with dry coconut and mix with sugar and salt. Prepare the batter and cook the pancakes on the griddle.
3) puttu
You cannot miss out on this traditional Kerala main dish on Vishu. Puttu is a steamed rice cake with lots of grated coconut. Enjoy it with Kadala Curry.
4) Wazakai Poriyali
This is an authentic dish of Kerala which is made from raw banana. This dish tastes amazing when combined with grated coconut, chillies, turnips, mustard seeds, curry leaves and Indian spices. Don’t forget to cook it in coconut oil.
5) eriserie
Erissery is a traditional Kerala dish which is served during weddings and festivals. It is a mildly spicy vegetable made from pumpkin, cowpea and coconut.
With these easy recipes, your Vishu is sure to be a delicious affair.