Sambharam/ Morum vellam/ Spiced buttermilk (Serves 5)

Sambharam/ Spiced buttermilk, the traditional-all-purpose-drink of Kerala, is a living testimony to the fact that our older generation was much wiser in using the natural products around to make one of the healthiest and cheapest drinks ever made. This drink is still the best weapon to compact the sweaty, humid summers of Kerala. Its thirst-quenching, rehydrative and medicinal benefits together with the taste make the modern aerated beverages look like costly-bottled poison.  So, try out this recipe and chill out with a big glass of  sambharam/morum vellam (as we call it in Kerala) !!!

Buttermilk 1 cup
Water 2 cups
Ginger ½ ‘ piece
Green chilly 1 big, roughly cut
Salt as needed
Curry leaves a handful, chopped

Preparation

With the help of a motar and pestle, crush together ginger, green chilly and curry leaves.

In a blender, add buttermilk and water and pulse for a couple of times (You can also mix the water and buttermilk vigorously with a spatula to get the same effect). Add salt and the crushed ginger, green chilly, curry leaves. Mix well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes and refreshing sambharam is ready. You can make big batches and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!!!

 Tips

Substitute buttermilk with lemon/lime juice, you will get lime/lemon Sambaram
Add beetroot juice to the buttermilk, to make rose buttermilk
To make beetroot juice, grate beetroot and squeeze the juice, alternately you can grind the beetroot and extract the juice. Add according your liking (2-3 TBSP for 2 cups will be good enough).

We are sending this to 'Show me your Smoothie' event at Dil Se by Divya (http://divya-dilse.blogspot.com/2010/05/show-me-your-smoothie.html)