Tuesday 14 August 2012

Sambharam/ Spiced Buttermilk

This post is part of Onam and Sadya. The recipe below will make enough to serve 6 - 8 people for a Sadya. Measurements are only approximate.


Before the state, opened its doors to artificial thirst quenchers like aerated drinks and squash and even before they used lime/ lemon juice, there were two natural thirst quenchers commonly available in all
households and shops in Kerala; Karikku Vellom (tender coconut juice) and Sambharam (spiced buttermilk). These were first served to visitors in a household and were the most preferred drink of the working community who spent the entire day under the heat of the scorching sun. When Karikku vellom satiated those with a sweet tooth, Sambharam satiated anyone who preferred to drink something spicy; they were both good for your body, restored energy and refreshed them. It is the best drink to have on a hot summer day.


Sambharam is a salty, sour drink with a kick of green chilly that is lip-smacking tasty. The added advantage of Sambharam aiding in digestion and cooling our body, saw it finding its way into the menu of Kerala Sadya. Though it has lost its importance as a thirst quencher, it is still served at the end of every Sadya. It is the best way to bring an end to Sadya with a drink of Sambharam; it makes you feel light and refreshed instead of feeling slack and sleepy after a heavy meal.

Sambharam is usually made with buttermilk which tastes different to yoghurt because of the differences in fermentation techniques. Though the two can be interchanged, I prefer using buttermilk to make Sambharam.

Ingredients
  • 1 x 600 ml pkg buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp eschallots, finely minced
  • 2 sprigs curry leaves, torn
  • 2 green chilly, finely minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tbsp ginger, finely minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water or as required
Method
Mix all ingredients together. Beat them for a few minutes, preferably by pouring between 2 vessels. (Pour buttermilk mixture from one vessel to another, keeping the pouring vessel at a height. Repeat 3 - 4 times. This helps juices from the other ingredients to seep into buttermilk.)

Enjoy cold after  meal or when you are thirsty.

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