The Origin Of Sambar Dish And Its Link To Maharashtra

Sambar is one of the most popular dishes in southern India. The dish makes its appearance in every South Indian thali and is a staple food in the states of the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. This healthy dish is also very much loved in Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. But very few know that this famous curry originated in Maharashtra. According to the historians, the curry originated accidently in the kitchens of Marathi ruler.  Sambhaji a famous Marathi ruler who happened to be the son of Chatrapathi Shivaji tried cooking dal in the royal kitchen, in the absence of the royal chef. 

Sambar Recipe | Image Resource : shutterstock.com

The legend goes that sambhaji wanted to make his own dal, and he added tamarind to the dal. Tamarind was not an ingredient to be added to dal curry; hence the cooks in the royal kitchen tried to tell him that he made a mistake, but he ignored them as he liked the taste of the new dal curry that he made, and the dish soon came to be known as sambar. There is no hardcore evidence regarding the origin of sambar, but it is believed by the historians that Maharashtrians had contributed to the creation of sambar.

Which Recipe Is Followed Widely Today?

Although there are a lot of variations available, there is one recipe that is popularly followed. According to culinary experts, the dish made by sambhaji was less a dish and more of a soup with extra tamarind in it. It is the Thanjavur brahmin recipe that found widespread acceptance.

Variation Of Sambar

The dish varies from state to state. Not only does  the taste of sambar curry differ from state to state, but the ingredients used in sambar recipe also differ to a great extent. . In Tamil Nadu, coconut is found aplenty, and it is one of the most important ingredients used in the recipe. You will find that dry powders are used for the preparation of the dish, whereas the malayalis make use of wet pastes. Apart from that, the vegetables that are used in the dish also differ from state to state. In Kerala, the Malayalis add potatoes and carrots in the dish, and they are called English vegetables because these Vegetables became popular during the British reign. But in Tamil Nadu, you will find that the major vegetables used in the dish are radish, brinjals, and drumsticks.

It is not just Tamil Nadu and Kerala that offers a different taste of the dish, but there is a significant difference in how the dish is served in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Do not be surprised if they serve the rasam first before they serve the sambar in Karnataka because that is the norm there.

Sambar, The South Indian Style Vegetable Stew

While thinking of making a vegetable stew that can give you the required amount of protein to the body, fiber for digestion, and other nutrients to stay healthy, it is best to prepare sambar. It consists of vegetables and dal. This vegetable stew coming from the kitchen of South India is a delicious platter to enjoy as an accomplishment for idli, dosa, or any other foods. The hot sambar recharges the energy levels to a great extent.

The Health Benefits

Sambar Recipe | Image Resource : quora.com

If the sambar recipe is followed strictly, there are many health benefits. One of the significant ingredients of the sambar is dal. Dal is rich in protein. Those who avoid consuming animal protein or are vegan can fulfill their need of  protein by eating the hot delicious sambar. As the recipe of sambar includes vegetables, it is rich in fiber. Fiber helps to have good gut health and proper bowel movements. They help to reduce blood cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. The dal based sambar recipe is abundant with vitamins and minerals. One can get iron, zinc, magnesium, and folate from this vegetable stew. It is also an excellent antioxidant and helps you reduce your weight for you to stay healthy and fit. If you want to detoxify your body eating less for some days without compromising the nutritional value of the food, then sambar is one of the best foods to eat and stay energetic.

The History Of Sambar Recipe

Although, as on date, sambar is considered as a south Indian delicacy, however as per old stories, it originated in Maharashtra. Sahuji, the Maratha ruler of Thanjavur called this dish Amti, and as per old sayings, it has its roots in Maharashtra but became more popular in south India. Wherever may be the roots, it is the taste that is mesmerizing. Sambar  can be eaten as a stew so that you can get relief from many ailments.

The Types of sambar

One can give some twist and punch while  preparing sambar and can add many different vegetables as per their own choice. If you want to taste the best recipes, then it is best to surf the internet and go through various websites. Select the best method as per your choice and make a delicious vegetable stew or accomplishment. Enjoy eating it with dosa, idli, or vada or any other staple food and feel the difference. With the variety of styles of making sambar, the dish has become quite popular throughout the country not only amongst the vegetarians and the vegans but also amongst non-veg eating people. It is available throughout the country and in many parts of the subcontinent. It is time to enjoy a balanced diet eating the most nutritious vegetable stew none other than sambar.