Kosambari facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Koshambari |
|---|---|
| Type | Salad |
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Karnataka |
| Main ingredients | Pulses, mustard seeds |
Kosambari (also called Koshambari) is a yummy salad from South India. It's made from special beans called pulses. These pulses are split, like split peas or lentils. The salad gets its flavor from tiny mustard seeds.
Common pulses used are split chickpeas (called 'kadale bele' in Kannada). Another popular one is split green gram (called 'hesaru bele'). You can eat kosambari as a quick snack. But usually, it's part of a bigger meal.
What's in Kosambari?
Main Ingredients for this Indian Salad
Kosambari usually has green gram as its main ingredient. It also includes grated coconut, fresh coriander leaves, and a little chili.
Optional Veggies and Spices
You can add other vegetables too. Grated carrot or finely cut cucumber are great choices. For extra flavor, people use cooking oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a spice called asafoetida.
How to Make Kosambari
Getting Started with the Pulses
First, you need to soak the green gram. Let it sit in water for about two hours. This makes the beans soft and ready to eat.
Preparing the Vegetables
Next, grate some coconut and carrot. If you like, you can also finely chop some cucumber. Chop up the fresh coriander and chili into small pieces.
Adding a Fruity Twist
If it's mango season, you can add unripe mango. Just grate it and mix it in. The Totapuri (mango) variety works really well with kosambari.
Making the Flavorful Seasoning
This is an important step for taste! Heat a little oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, and if you like, a pinch of asafoetida. Also, add some curry leaves. Let this mixture cool down completely.
Mixing Everything Together
Finally, put all the prepared ingredients into a bowl. Add the cooled seasoning mixture. Don't forget to add salt to taste! Mix everything well, and your kosambari is ready.
Kosambari and Indian Traditions
Sharing During Festivals
Kosambari is more than just a salad. It's often shared during festivals and special events in India. People give it out to large groups during celebrations like Ganesha Chaturthi and Sri Rama Navami.
A Symbol of Feminine Divinity
During festivals like Varamahalakshmi and Gowri, women invite each other. They exchange kosambari along with turmeric and vermilion. This tradition celebrates the special power and spirit of women.
Images for kids
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Kosambri distribution during a festival in a south Indian village.
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A boy distributing consecrated kosambri - house to house in a south Indian village.
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Two women are exchanging kosambari in a south Indian village during a festival
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Consecrated kosambari
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closeup of Kosambri with turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves, betel nut and bananas.
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Women celebrating their divinity by gifting Kosambri with turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves, betel nut and bananas.
