Sambar - Tamarind based preparation that goes well with Rice, Dosai, Idli, Vadai, Pongal, etc.

Two variety of sambar preparations available.
1. Powder based - link is here - [ Ссылка ]
2. Freshly ground masala based

Freshly ground masala sambar is known as 'arachu vitta sambar'. As the name suggests, it's flavour and taste is awesome!

History of Sambar :-

Sambar was first made in the Kitchen of Marathas in Thanjavur, says the ancient texts in Tanjavur Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Thanjavur was ruled by Chozhas, Pandiyas, Vijayanagar dynasty and then by Naikars. The Naikar killed the King of Thanjavur and captured it. The Son of the King, approached the Sultan of Bijapur for help to regain the Kingdom.

Sultan of Bijapur, sent his force, which was commanded by "Venkoji" - a Maratha. Venkoji captured Thanjavur but he proclaimed himself as the king. History says, Venkoji is half brother of Chatrapati Shivaji.

Marathi's make a dish called "Amti" which is a mix of Lentil and Kokum (a native souring agent, tastes sour like tamarind). In Thanjavur when kokum went out of stock, it was replaced by tamarind and in went various vegetables along with tuvar dal.

There are various versions of sambar story.

One story says that it was made by a cook in the Maratha's Fort when the store ran out of kokum hence the cook managed it with tamarind.

Another version says that it was Shambaji (Chatrapati's Son) who made it when the royal chef was away.

Yet another version says that this was served to Shambaji, he liked it very much, thus named after him.

Whatever the story may be, this prepration has won millions of hearts around the world.

In Tamil Nadu, there are gravies which are older than sambar viz., kozhambu, kootan, curry, kootu etc.. vegetables were cooked with lentils. But Sambar has taken a special place in people's heart.

The original version was twisted with sweetness, as it proceeded out towards Northern India via Karnataka, still Tamil Nadu's Sambar has it's own uniqueness.

One more feather in the cap of Thanjavur (Tanjore.)!

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