Olan Recipe – Winter Melon Coconut Stew

Olan is a traditional dish from Kerala Cuisine. It is made for special occasions such as Onam, weddings, etc. It is one of the most simplest dish you can make. It has winter melon, red cowpeas, coconut milk which is flavored with green chili, coconut oil and curry leaves. You can serve this dish as a side with rice and sambar/rasam or any variety rice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

No. of servings: 3

Spice level: 2 out of 5

Ingredients:

• Cubed winter melon – 1 cup
• Cooked red cowpeas (karamani or vanpayar) – 1/4 cup
• Green chili – 1 or 2 (adjust to taste)
• Thick coconut milk – 1 cup
• Salt to taste
• Coconut oil – 1 tsp

Method of Preparation:

Peel the skin and chop winter melon into small cubes. Wash and pressure cook cowpeas with 3/4 cup of water for 3 to 4 whistles or until cooked.

Heat a kadai or deep pan and add 1/2 cup of water, cubed winter melon and slit green chilies. Cover and cook until winter melon is half cooked. Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk and allow it boil until vegetable is fully cooked.

Now add the cooked cowpeas and the rest of the coconut milk with salt. Bring it to a boil and add curry leaves. Turn off the stove and add coconut oil. Olan is ready.