SAMBHARAM – SPICED BUTTERMILK

Sambharam, is a buttermilk based drink, that is served during the hot summer months and on occasions after a heavy meal. The ingredients that go into this drink aid digestion and also help keep cool during the heat of summer.    Kerala is situated at the southern most tip of the Indian peninsula and therefore enjoys a tropical climate. During the summer months, the heat is very extreme and therefore we resort to drinking a lot of local juices and drinks such as coconut water, Nannari Juice , buttermilk etc. There is a reason why many of our native dishes include a large amount of curd / yogurt. The idea is to cool the body and the digestive system. Our food is not really spicy, in fact only the non vegetarian sides include many spices and “heat” per say. 

Sambharam, is the equivalent of the North Indian “Chaas”. “Chaas” is also a buttermilk based drink but its includes various other spices such as cumin seeds, black salt, pepper etc. Sometimes this will also include a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. But I will address that in another post someday. 

Kerala is the land of coconuts trees, pear shallots, coconut based living, fresh produce and lots of lovely greenery. When we go back home for the holidays we are always in awe with the greenery that surrounds us at our village. Someday I hope to share photos of the place too. Its not the typical victorian well manicured lawns sort of green. Its the kind of green that grows every where and any where. From the garden to the boundary walls of the house, there is always a layer of green moss growing giving it a sort of zen like feeling. When its time for Onam, the village wakes up! There are speakers at every corner of the village, the temple has music playing all throughout the day, people are more cheerful and always exchange the produce growing in their backyards. Usually it is an exchange of jackfruit and large bunches of bananas, or coconuts. But there is definitely more noise and cheer and happiness in the air. I guess what I am trying to say is that Onam is just a wonderful time of the year. 

The Sadhya as I had mentioned before is the most integral part of Onam. The banana leaf spread, more that 20 odd varieties of food, 3 kinds of dessert and lots of fun and laughter, all this is what makes Onam so beautiful. At the end of the meal we are given this drink. Sambharam. This curd based drink helps to digest all the heavy food and also cools the body down. 

Ginger helps to prevent indigestion. Curry Leaves lower cholesterol, aid digestion and is high in fiber. Shallots are nutrient dense and help to improve heart health. Curd / Butter milk is loaded with macro nutrients and help cool the intestine. They replenish your body of water and helps stay hydrated. Sambharam is a mixture of all these ingredients to give you the best after food drink to aid and support good gut health and digestion