In today’s USA TODAY Crossword puzzle, constructors Amie Walker & Jasmeet Arora presented a delightful clue: DOSA (1A: Pancake Often Served With Sambar). This seemingly simple clue opens up a world of flavor and culinary tradition, introducing us to the wonderful South Indian dish, Dosa, and its perfect accompaniment, Sambar. Let’s delve into why this pancake is so often served with sambar and explore the deliciousness of this iconic pairing.
Dosa, as the crossword clue accurately points out, is indeed a type of pancake. However, it’s unlike any pancake you might be familiar with. Originating from South India, dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. This fermentation process is key, lending dosa its distinctive slightly tangy flavor and light, airy texture. The batter is typically spread thinly on a hot griddle or tawa, cooked with oil or ghee until golden brown and crispy, although softer versions also exist.
But what truly elevates the dosa experience is its frequent partner: sambar. Sambar is a vegetable stew or chowder based on lentils, popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish, typically made with toor dal (split pigeon peas), tamarind pulp, and a medley of vegetables such as okra, eggplant, carrots, and drumsticks. The magic of sambar lies in its complex spice blend, which often includes ingredients like fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. This combination creates a savory, slightly tangy, and subtly spicy broth that perfectly complements the mild flavor and crispy texture of the dosa.
The pairing of dosa and sambar is not just a matter of taste; it’s a culinary marriage deeply rooted in South Indian food culture. Dosa and sambar are often enjoyed together for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are a staple in South Indian households and restaurants, and have gained popularity worldwide for their delicious taste and nutritional value. The combination is not only flavorful but also provides a balanced meal, with dosa offering carbohydrates and sambar contributing protein, vitamins, and fiber from lentils and vegetables.
Beyond the classic dosa and sambar combination, there is a wide variety of dosa types to explore. Masala dosa, perhaps the most famous, is stuffed with a spiced potato and onion filling. There are also variations like paper dosa (extra thin and crispy), ghee roast dosa (cooked with generous amounts of ghee), and rava dosa (made with semolina). Similarly, sambar recipes can vary regionally, with different vegetables and spice combinations used.
To enjoy dosa and sambar, you typically tear off pieces of the dosa and dip them into the sambar. The crispy dosa acts as a perfect scoop for the flavorful sambar, creating a delightful textural and taste contrast in every bite. It’s a truly satisfying and comforting meal that represents the rich culinary heritage of South India.
So, the next time you encounter “pancake often served with sambar” in a crossword puzzle, remember DOSA and its indispensable partner, SAMBAR. It’s more than just a crossword answer; it’s an invitation to explore the vibrant and delicious world of South Indian cuisine. And who knows, maybe solving this crossword clue will inspire you to try making or ordering a dosa with sambar soon!
