Masaba Gupta is undeniably a true foodie. Known for her Netflix series ‘Masaba and Masaba’, the 34-year-old fashion designer and entrepreneur is frequently seen posting her indulgent and healthy meals on social media. She loves eating hearty and comforting desi dishes such as chillas, dosa, appam, uttapam, rice-aloo, kadhi-chawal and vada pav.
Speaking about her latest treat, she gave a glimpse of a delicious South Indian meal on her Instagram story. It consisted of more than ten traditional dishes from Tamil Nadu cuisine. The photo was posted with a caption that said, “Tamil Sappadu Of My Dreams. Thanks, @SOUTHSIDEMUMBAI Heart & Gut Both Happy.”
The Tamil term sappadu means food and it has a full-course vegetarian meal that features all six tastes: sweet (Innipu), sour (Pulipu), bitter (Kasappu), salty (Uvarpu), tart (Thuvarpu) and spicy (Kaarpu). It is said that this customary meal was started due to Annadana, an ancient custom of offering food to God and then later distributing it to the devotees in temples.
The custom also includes serving food to Brahmins to receive the blessings of Pitrus (ancestors). It is a food extravaganza of never-ending dishes and is packed with nutrition along with taste. Served on banana leaf, the Tamil Sappadu menu can have up to twenty dishes.
Here are some yummy dishes present in Masaba’s Tamil Sappadu.
Thogayal: This chutney, also known as thuvaiyal, is a yummy coconut chutney that is best paired with rice. It is a combination of urad dal, red chillies and tamarind, along with coconut.
Sambar: This flavourful South Indian stew is made from lentils, pigeon peas, tamarind and mixed vegetables that are loaded with various flavourful spices like red chilli powder, curry leaves, mustard seeds and asafoetida.
Rasam: This warm and spicy soup consists of tomatoes, tamarind, and jaggery and is seasoned with spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, fenugreek and pepper corns.
Pachadi: It is a traditional South Indian fresh pickle that is served as a side dish with rice. It is made with vegetables such as cucumber or ash gourd, along with coconut, mustard seeds, ginger and curry leaves.
Aviyal: Aviyal is a thick stew that is usually prepared with 13 vegetables, including carrots, cucumber, drumsticks and brinjal. It is cooked with coconut, curry leaves and a few spices.
Kaara Kuzhambu: It is a spicy and tangy curry made with tomatoes, tamarind, and spices. Kara kuzambu goes well with rice or idli.
Kootu: Kootu is a lentil and vegetable stew that is typically served with rice. It can be made with a variety of different lentils and vegetables.
Poriyal: This is a stir-fried vegetable dish usually made from vegetables like cabbage, carrots, beans, beetroot and more that is typically served with rice.
Elai Adai: This savoury crepe is made with lentils, rice, and spices and is traditionally served with chutney or sambar.