Jaljeera: Indian Spiced Lemonade
I am sipping ice-cold Jaljeera - an Indian spiced Lemonade to cool off on this hot summer evening, while I type. No I am not complaining yet about the heat - it is gorgeous outside. Bright sunny day, clear blue skies, riot of colors all around - what is there not to love. And this summery cool drink just kicks things up a notch. It gets very hot in Kolkata during summer months when sweet and tangy drinks like Jaljeera and Aampana comes to the rescue. These refreshing drinks are often served at summer weddings in Kolkata to welcome guests. This cumin flavored minty cool drink not only soothes the scorching soul and titillates the taste buds, it is actually good for digestion as well. Of course you have the convenience of using the sachets of Jaljeera Powder or use a bottled Aampana, but there is nothing better than the homemade version. I like to dress up my glasses a little like I would if I am serving Margarita.
Ingredients: (Serves 2)
- Cilantro - 2 tbsp
- Mint Leaves - 2 tbsp
- Roasted Cumin Powder - 1/2 tbsp (notes below)
- Asafoetida - A fat pinch
- Black Salt - 1/2 tsp (I used Himalayan Pink Salt)
- Sugar - 1 tbsp (more or less, according to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Tamarind - 1 tsp, seedless
- Lemon Juice - 2 tsp
- Ginger - 2 tsp, chopped
- Water - 2 Cups + 1 tbsp
- Ice Cubes - Couple of handful
For the rim of the glasses: (Notes below)
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Lime Zest - 1/4 tsp
- Lime Slices - 2, for garnishing + 1 wedge
In mixer, blend together all the mint leaves, cilantro, spices, sugar, salts, ginger, tamarind and lemon juice with a tablespoon of water till it turns into a smooth paste. Now using a strainer, squeeze all the juice out and discard the residue. Mix the juice and water well and pour into glasses filled with ice cubes. If you want you can use crushed ice. Garnish with lemon slices.
How to rim the glass: Using the wedge of lime or lemon, moisten the rim of the glass. In a saucer mix the salt and lime zest. Turn the glass upside down on the salt mix and move it around till some salt sticks onto the rim moistened with the lime juice. Now stick the glasses in the freezer till you are ready to serve the drinks.
How to make the Roasted Cumin powder: Dry roast the cumin seeds on medium heat till fragrant and grind into a fine powder using mortar pestle or coffee/spice grinder.
I am sending this recipe to Kolkata Food Bloggers'
Recipe adapted from here!
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