Sambharam (spiced buttermilk)
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Thin buttermilk crushed with green chilli, ginger, shallots and curry leaves, offered to travellers and guests to beat the heat.
Region: KeralaOccasion: Summer; end of a sadya; welcome drinkTime: 10 minServes: 4Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup thick curd
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 green chilli
- 1 small piece ginger
- 2 shallots
- A sprig of curry leaves
- Salt to taste
Method
- Whisk the curd and water together until smooth.
- Crush the green chilli, ginger, shallots and curry leaves together in a mortar.
- Add the crushed mix and salt to the buttermilk and stir well.
- Leave for 15 minutes so the flavours mix. Serve cool, strained or unstrained.
History
Free sambharam was once offered at stalls along roads and at temples to people walking long distances in the summer heat.
Significance
Sambharam is served at the end of feasts to help digestion, and at festivals and public events in summer.