India is a country of diversity. Every state has its own culture, language and traditions of food. When it comes to South India, the first dishes that come to mind are - Idli and Sambhar. This snack is not only the pride of Tamil Nadu but has become a favourite of the entire country.
Idli and sambar are best eaten in the morning. It is also light and gives energy to the body throughout the day. That is why this dish has become popular not only in South India, but all over India. Today you will find shops of idli - sambhar in every street - locality of big cities.
Idli and sambar speciality
There are many things that make idli and sambar special.
- Idli is cooked in steam. No oil is used. That is why it is an exceptionally light and effectively edible dish. From little children to the elderly, everybody can eat it comfortably.
- Sambar comprises lentils, tamarind, vegetables and uncommon flavors. Everybody likes its sweet and acrid taste. When hot idlis are eaten with sambar and coconut chutney, the taste is doubled.
- Another extraordinary advantage of idli-sambar is that it is wealthy in nourishment. It contains proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. That's why specialists consider it a solid nibble.
History and origin
The history of Idli is very old. The dish is accepted to have started in South India between the 8th and 12th centuries. A few students of history accept that the formula for idli came from Middle easterner dealers. They had brought a steam-cooked dish made of a mixture of rice and dal.
The story is slightly different. It is said that Maratha king Shambhaji, while staying in Tamil Nadu, made a special dish by mixing tamarind and dal. Gradually it became popular by the name of 'Sambhar'. In this way, the combination of idli and sambhar is associated with both history and tradition.
Importance of Tamil culture
In the culture of Tamil Nadu, food is not just a thing to eat but a tradition. The elders of the house like to make idlis and sambar in the morning. This snack is also served during festivals and family events.
Idlis and sambar are also offered to devotees in the form of prasad. This makes this dish not only a meal but also a part of the spiritual experience.
Nutrition and health benefits
Cardamom is very beneficial for health. Idli is made from rice and urad dal. Its batter is cooked after fermentation. It is rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Because it is cooked in steam, it is very low in calories and fat.
Vegetables, pulses and lentils are added to the dal. It contains proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is good for digestion and gives strength to the body. Added vegetables like carrots, radish, bottle gourd and tomatoes provide balanced nutrition to the body.
Therefore, idli and sambar are a great option for those who want to have a healthy diet.
Use in everyday life
Nearly every family in Tamil Nadu has idli and sambar for breakfast. It is simple to make and does not take much time. Individuals eat idli and sambhar rapidly some time recently going to the office.
Children who go to school moreover like this nibble. It keeps the stomach full and gives vitality to the children to concentrate on ponders. At the same time, elderly individuals can moreover eat it comfortably since it is simple to process.
The taste of Idli and Sambar all over India
Nowadays, idli and sambar are not constrained to Tamil Nadu. In enormous cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, this nibble is accessible everywhere. Idlis and sambars are effortlessly accessible at railroad stations and transport stands. That's why it has ended up a favorite nibble of travelers. From five-star inns to little roadside dhabas, idli-sambar is served all over with the same taste and ubiquity.
Global Identity
In today's time, idli and sambhar have made their mark even abroad. Indians living in America, Europe and Gulf countries like it very much. In numerous places, the eatery too has an extraordinary menu called "South Indian Breakfast," with idli-sambar composed on top.
People living overseas see it as an association to Indian culture. Whenever they remember their country, idli and sambhar are definitely seen on their plate.
Modern Changes
With the passage of time many new experiments have also taken place in idli and sambhar. Now varieties like "Rava Idli," "Masala Idli," "Millet Idli" are available in the market. It is good both in taste and in health.
Many changes have also taken place. Some people add special spices to it, while in some places coconut paste is added to make it more delicious.
Why is it evergreen?
Idli and sambar are not just a snack but an emotion. It is a combination of taste, health and culture. It is loved by people of all ages. It also keeps the stomach light and gives energy throughout the day.
The biggest quality of idli and sambhar is simplicity. That is why this snack has become a favorite dish not only of Tamil Nadu, but of the whole of India and now the world.
Conclusion
The popularity of idli and sambar has increased with time. This breakfast is the identity of Tamil Nadu and also a part of India's cultural heritage.
Whenever we eat idli and sambhar, we not only get a taste but also get a connection with tradition and history. That is why it is rightly called the "evergreen breakfast of Tamil Nadu.”
