• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Vidhya’s Vegetarian Kitchen logo
  • Home
  • About
    • VVK Galleries
    • VVK YouTube Channel
    • VVK Mentions
    • Privacy & Copyright Policies
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Amazon Shop
    • Cookbooks
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Instant Pot Recipes » Olan (Onam Sadya Recipe) – Instant Pot and Stovetop Instructions

    Olan (Onam Sadya Recipe) – Instant Pot and Stovetop Instructions

    Posted on September 9, 2017 · Last Updated on April 12, 2022 · By Srividhya G · 32 Comments

    211 shares
    • Share3
    • Tweet
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Card Watch Recipe Video

    This Instant Pot Olan is a rich, mild & creamy coconut milk stew with the goodness of black-eyed peas/cowpeas and red & white pumpkin. 

    Instant Pot Olan - Onam Sadya Recipe - Served and Ready for Dinner

    Today I am going to share my favorite recipe, olan, Kerala Onam Sadya special recipe. This olan is very mild and soothing because of the healing properties of coconut and coconut milk, and of course, it is vegan, nut-free and gluten-free. Check out the video instructions and a detailed recipe below.

    Jump to:
    • Instant Pot olan
    • Ingredients required
    • Watch me make the olan in Instant Pot.
    • How to make olan
    • Recipe notes
    • Explore other Onam recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Instant Pot olan

    With Instant Pot, you can prepare this stew without soaking the black-eyed peas. Once you have the white and red pumpkin (either one would work too) chopped, then you can whip this dish in a jiffy. We first do the tempering, dump in all the ingredients, and let Instant Pot do its magic. Also, I am using store-bought coconut milk, making this dish easy to prepare. (PS – I prepared this dish live on IG during the 2020 Onam sadya) I have provided the stove-top instructions as well.

    Ingredients required

    To Temper: We need coconut oil, cumin seeds, green chili, dried red chili, and curry leaves.

    Black-eyed peas: You can use either white or brown black-eyed peas for this recipe. In Tamil, we call it karamani/thattai Payaru, and in Malayalam, we call it vanapayar. The black-eyed peas are known for their health benefits and protein content (approx. 11 g per uncooked cup), and when combined with coconut milk, it forms a great combo.

    Butternut squash and ash gourd: Traditionally, red pumpkin is used, but I went with butternut squash instead of red pumpkin as I couldn’t source pumpkin on time. You can use a combination of red and white pumpkin, or either one is fine. 

    Coconut milk: For this olan recipe, I went with store-bought coconut milk.

    Apart from these ingredients, we also need salt.

    Instant Pot Olan - Onam Sadya Recipe - in a Bowl with Two Bells and Flower Petals on the Side

    Homemade coconut milk

    You can make homemade coconut milk too, for this recipe. And here is how you make it. For one-half of freshly grated coconut ( Break the coconut into two halves and grate the one-half), add 1 cup of lukewarm water and grind it. Squeeze out the milk, and this is the first and thick coconut milk. Grind again by adding 1 cup of water and extract the milk; and this is the second and thin coconut milk. If you love coconut milk like me, check out some exciting recipes with coconut milk. 

    Watch me make the olan in Instant Pot.

    Here is the video recipe of the same. Please subscribe to my youtube channel and stay tuned for new recipes.

    How to make olan

    Prep-Work

    • Wash the black-eyed peas and set them aside. I did not soak the black-eyed peas as the variety/brand that I used became mushy when soaked for a long time. But you can soak black-eyed peas for a minimum of 45 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours. If you want very soft and mushy black-eyed peas, I recommend soaking for 2 hours. 
    • Peel and chop 1 cup of butternut squash and white pumpkin.
    • Take ⅓ cup of thick coconut milk and dilute it with water to get 1.5 cups of thin coconut milk.
    • Set aside ½ cup of thick coconut milk.
    • Slit the green chilies.

    Instant Pot method

    • Set the IP to saute mode and add the coconut oil.
    • Once it is hot, add the cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili, and red chili.
    • Saute for a minute, and then add the washed black-eyed peas.
    • Mix them all and add the chopped vegetables and salt.
    • Now add the thin coconut milk and mix them all.
    • Set the IP in manual mode for 3 minutes. After it beeps, wait for 5 minutes and release the pressure quickly.
    • Then carefully open the lid and mix the ingredients.
    • Set the IP back in saute mode and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
    • After 5 minutes, add the thick coconut milk and mix again. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, and that’s it. The Olan is ready.

    Pressure cooker / Stove-top method

    • Pressure cook the black-eyed peas by adding 1 cup of water for just one whistle.
    • Heat a heavy bottom pan/vessel and add the coconut oil.
    • Once it is hot, add the cumin seeds and curry leaves, green chili, and red chili.
    • Saute for a minute, and then add the chopped veggies and cooked olan.
    • Add the thin coconut milk and let it cook until the vegetables are soft and tender.
    • Once the vegetables are soft and tender, add the thick coconut milk and let it simmer for five more minutes.
    Instant Pot Olan - Onam Sadya Recipe - Bowl Closeup with One Bell to the Right

    Recipe notes

    • Traditionally red pumpkin is used, but I went with butternut squash. You use either red or white pumpkin or a combo of both.
    • Adjust salt and spice as per your preference.
    • Also, you can use either white or brown-eyed peas for this recipe.

    Explore other Onam recipes

    • Avial | Instant Pot Avial Recipe | Mixed Vegetable Curry in Yogurt Sauce
    • Beetroot Kichadi | Onam Sadya Recipe
    • Mambazha Pulissery | Kerala-Style Sweet and Sour Mango Curry
    • Vellarikka Pachadi | Kerala Style Cucumber Yogurt Pachadi

    If you try this olan recipe, please don’t forget to comment and rate this recipe. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I will get to it ASAP. Follow me on my Pinterest for more healthy and delicious ideas! Follow me on Instagram or join my Facebook Group for more recipe updates! You can also sign-up for my newsletter for weekly updates.

    📖 Recipe

    olan feature
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Instant Pot Olan | Onam Sadya Recipe

    Kerala Sadya special recipe Olan  – the rich, mild and creamy coconut milk stew with the goodness of black-eyed peas/cowpeas, red and white pumpkin. 
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Main Course, rice accompaniment
    Cuisine: Kerala Cuisine, South Indian
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 166kcal
    Author: Srividhya G

    Equipment

    • Electric Pressure Cooker like Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Black-Eyed Peas
    • 2 tsps Coconut Oil
    • ¼ tsp Cumin Seeds
    • 2 Green chili
    • 1 Red chili
    • 1.5 tsp Salt
    • 10 Curry leaves
    • 1 cup Butternut Squash Chopped
    • 1 cup Ash gourd Chopped
    • 1.5 cups Thin coconut milk diluted
    • ½ cup Thick/Creamy coconut milk

    Instructions

    Prep – Work

    • Wash the black-eyed peas and set aside. I did not soak the black-eyed peas as the variety/brand that I used was becoming mushy when soaked for a long time. But you can soak black-eyed peas for a minimum of 45 minutes a maximum of 2 hours. If you want very soft and mushy black-eyed peas, I would recommend soaking for 2 hours. 

    • Peel and chop 1 cup of butternut squash and white pumpkin.
    • Take ⅓ cup of thick coconut milk and dilute it with water to get 1.5 cups of thin coconut milk.
    • Set aside ½ cup of the thick coconut milk.
    • Slit the green chilies.

    Instant Pot Method

    • Set the IP to saute mode and add the coconut oil.
    • Once it is hot, add the cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili and red chili.
    • Saute for a minute and then add the washed black-eyed peas.
    • Mix them all and add the chopped vegetables and salt.
    • Now add the thin coconut milk and mix them all.
    • Set the IP in manual mode for 3 minutes. After it beeps, wait for 5 minutes and release the pressure quickly.
    • Then carefully open the lid and mix the ingredients.
    • Set the IP back in saute mode and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
    • After 5 minutes, add the thick coconut milk and mix again. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, and that’s it. The Olan is ready.

    Pressure Cooker / Stove Top Method

    • Pressure cook the black eyed peas by adding 1 cup of water for just one whistle.
    • Heat a heavy bottom pan/vessel and add the coconut oil.
    • Once it is hot, add the cumin seeds, and curry leaves, green chili, and red chili.
    • Saute for a minute and then add the chopped veggies and cooked olan.
    • Add the thin coconut milk and let it cook until the vegetables are soft and tender.
    • Once the vegetables are cooked, add the thick coconut milk and let it simmer for five more minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    • Traditionally red pumpkin is used, but I went with butternut squash. You use either red or white pumpkin or a combo of both.
    • Adjust salt and spice as per your preference.
    • Also, you can use either white or brown eyed peas for this recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 813mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3140IU | Vitamin C: 62.1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1.6mg

    I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @vidhyasvegetariankitchen or tag #vidhyasvegkitchen
    For Video RecipesCheck out My YouTube Channel
    211 shares
    • Share3
    • Tweet
    • Reddit

    Filed Under: Dals | Lentils & Legumes, Festivals, Indian Legume Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Onam Tagged With: Blogging Marathon, gluten free, how to prepare olan, how to prepare olan in instant pot, indian vegan recipes, Instant Pot Indian Recipes, Instant Pot Olan, kerala olan recipe, kerala sadya recipes, olan recipe, onam sadya recipes, Onam Sadya special, protein rich recipes, vanapayar olan, Vegan

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ruchi indu says

      September 26, 2017 at 1:45 am

      Yes all time favorite. Kerala special onam recipe. The olan looks delicious.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 26, 2017 at 8:10 am

        Thanks much Ruchi.

        Reply
    2. Nalini says

      September 13, 2017 at 6:09 am

      Olan looks creamy and delicious.BTW I am eyeing on your rustic brown board.Where did you get it?

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 13, 2017 at 8:00 am

        Thanks, Nalini. That’s actually our wooden floor. :-) When we installed it, I took one big rectangular piece for myself. ;-)

        Reply
    3. Rajani says

      September 12, 2017 at 8:22 am

      Olan is a favorite of mine as well and with canned coconut milk it’s pretty easy to prepare. The best part of IP is the no soak cooking which I use a lot if I haven’t planned ahead. Love your clicks too. When I make olan I skip the jeera and red chillies and the coconut oil and curry leaves go in at the end. Like how we add for Avial, there is no tadka and the oil and curry leaves go in at last.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 12, 2017 at 8:24 am

        Oh ok… Thanks for the suggestion. Will try that way too Rajani. Oh yeah, IP rocks. :-)

        Reply
    4. Priya Suresh says

      September 11, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Wow, such a creamy and irresistible olan, very nutritious dish packed with proteins. Am yet to make Olan at home, feel like having some with rice and potato fries.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 12, 2017 at 8:22 am

        Olan with rice and potato fries is scrumptious. :-) Thanks Priya

        Reply
    5. Srivalli Jetti says

      September 11, 2017 at 1:14 am

      Your Olan looks so creamy and inviting Srividhya!..I love Olan and though we don’t make it that often, I enjoy it whenever we make it..

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 11, 2017 at 8:43 am

        Thanks a lot Valli.

        Reply
    6. Mayuri Patel says

      September 10, 2017 at 10:56 am

      Plan looks so so tempting, creamy and delicious. We bloggers tend to forget the to post some of the most basic recipes till someone will ask for it.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 2:31 pm

        he he very true. Thanks Mayuri

        Reply
    7. Anlet Prince says

      September 10, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Olan is one dish am always in luv with. My little girl eats without any complaints

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 2:34 pm

        :-) That’s great.

        Reply
    8. Sharmila - The Happie Friends Potpourri Corner says

      September 10, 2017 at 6:46 am

      Such a simple and Yummy Onam Sadhya Recipe.. Me and my lo love it so much just for the awesome coconut milk :)

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 3:09 pm

        Yup… the flavor of coconut milk is soooo good.

        Reply
    9. themadscientistskitchen says

      September 10, 2017 at 6:16 am

      Yum. I am yet to try Olan on my family. I think I can guess the reactions. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 3:20 pm

        :-) Thanks

        Reply
    10. Sowmya:) says

      September 10, 2017 at 3:19 am

      Am a huge fan of the sadhya. This plan looks so tempting and drool worthy. Lovely pics too!

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 3:22 pm

        Thank you Sowmya.

        Reply
    11. sizzlingtastebuds says

      September 10, 2017 at 2:08 am

      I had olan only couple of times and loved it – this IP thing is a great boon,I must say ! perfectly done with minimum fuss:)

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm

        Yup… IP makes it very easy. Thanks Kalyani.

        Reply
    12. Gayathri Kumar says

      September 09, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Coconut milk adds an amazing richness to gravies, rices and desserts. This olan looks so inviting. A perfect choice for the protein packed dish.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 09, 2017 at 10:15 pm

        Thanks Gayathri.

        Reply
      • Sneha says

        November 28, 2019 at 7:24 pm

        Hi! So how much canned coconut milk do I need fir this recipe? Also, can low-fat canned coconut milk be used?

        Reply
        • Srividhya G says

          December 01, 2019 at 1:45 pm

          Sorry for the delayed reply. I used 3/4 of full-fat canned coconut milk, the 14 oz can. If you are using low-fat canned milk, you can use 1 can, 14 oz.

          Reply
          • Sneha says

            December 01, 2019 at 6:14 pm

            Great! And when do I add the contents of the can, at step 5 or step 9 (in the instant pot method)?

            Reply
            • Srividhya G says

              December 01, 2019 at 6:49 pm

              You can add the contents of the can and 1/4 cup water at step 5 and at step 9 just let it simmer for two minutes. But that’s optional. Hope this helps. Thanks

    13. Sapana says

      September 09, 2017 at 11:10 am

      I am yet to cook Sadya recipes but I wish to make the whole spread one day. The black eyed peas olan looks delicious.

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 09, 2017 at 10:16 pm

        I have all these sadya recipes separately but not as a whole spread. Need to give it a try.

        Reply
    14. vaishalisabnani says

      September 09, 2017 at 7:53 am

      Olan is a very flavourful dish , I remember we all liked this mild dish when I made Sadya . The South Indian cooking requires a lot of coconut , so naturally you guys have to stock it ! I have really enjoyed this tradition Protein Rich journey this week .

      Reply
      • Srividhya G says

        September 10, 2017 at 12:06 am

        Thanks a lot Vaishali.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Author Vidhya smiling in the renovated kitchen

    Hello all, I am Srividhya, the person behind this blog. I firmly believe that the mouth is the way to the heart. My blog is all about vegetarian and vegan food with unique and exciting recipes from all over the world. From traditional, authentic recipes to fusion and eggless bakes, you can find it all here! Read more →

    Enjoy My Cookbooks

    Two cookbooks beautifully presented on the table

    Discover the diverse and delicious taste of South India, eggless recipes made in Instant Pot and other deliciousness! Find out more →

    Sign Up to Newsletter

    Must-Try Soup Recipes 

    • Vegan Miso Ramen Soup With Tofu
    • Easy Pumpkin Soup | Pumpkin Shorba
    • Vegan Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup | Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
    • Broccoli Almond Soup (Instant Pot Method)

    As Featured On

    As seen on logo banner

    YouTube

    Follow me on YouTube for regular recipe videos and insights from my kitchen!

    Follow

    Disclosure

    VVK is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program - an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate VVK earns from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy →

    Most Popular Posts

    • Sweet Corn and Steel Cut Oats Soup
    • Easy Cream Cheese Pasta with Broccoli
    • Aloo Masoor Dal | Potato With Red Lentils
    • Alu Diye Cholar Dal | Bengali-Style Lentils with Potatoes
    • Kollu Rasam | Horsegram Soup
    • Limonana | Mint Lemonade Recipe

    Explore Your Favorites

    15 + Mango Recipes

    25 + Easy South Indian Instant Pot Recipes

    10 + Must Try Vegetarian Pasta Recipes

    20 + Kids Friendly Lunch Box Recipes

    20 + Indian Lentils Recipes Made in Instant Pot

    Footer


    VVK is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program - Privacy Policy
    HOME | ABOUT | CONTACT US

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    VVK horizontal logo

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Cooking

    • Sign Up to Newsletter
    • All Recipes
    • My Cookbooks
    • My Amazon Shop

    VVK is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

    Copyright © 2023 | VidhyasHomeCooking.com