ummer is the time to whip up a smoothie and go a bit easy on the coffee. But nothing is more refreshing than a glass of chilled sherbet in this heat, and believe it or not, many can be made at home without much fuss.
Burans ka sherbet
(Himalayan flower drink)
Mainly found in Uttarakhand or the Himalayan region, Burans is the state tree of Uttarakhand and the state flower of Nagaland. Bright red in colour, similar to rose or strawberry drink, with jelly like texture, Burans flower juice taste tangy and sweet.
Ingredients
12 – Burans flower
1 cup – Sugar
1 cup – Water
1/2 cup – Lemon juice
A pinch of salt
A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
Method
* Wash the flowers and remove the petals. Discard the green parts of the flower.
* Take a cup of sugar and add half a cup of lemon juice to it.
* Heat, stir and dissolve sugar in lemon juice in low flame for a few minutes. Add cardamom powder, salt and mix well.
* Let the sugar dissolve properly and wait till a sticky syrup forms.
* Remove the syrup from the flame and allow it to cool.
* Add the burans extract and mix it well.
* While serving, add one measure of syrup with two measures of water (ratio can be adjusted to suit your need)
* Serve chilled.
Phalse (falsay) ka sherbet
Phalsa is a summer fruit, which is available from April to June. According to Ayurveda, the fruit reduces thirst and burning sensations, and cures heart and blood disorders.
Ingredients
1kg – Falsay
1kg -Sugar
4 – Lemons
2g – Black salt
3 cups – Water
Method
* Wash falsay and boil them well in three cups of water. Cook for 20-30 minutes.
* Now strain through a medium fine sieve and extract the pulp by pressing down with a spoon.
* Take a saucepan, add some sugar and pulp in it and cook for 10 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.
* Let it cool.
* Add some lemon juice and black salt. Stir it well.
* Pour the mixture in a freezer container and let it refrigerate for a bit.
* Add the frozen falsa pulp in cold water.
* Stir well and add ice cubes if required.
Panakam
Panakam is a popular drink in many parts of South India. In Tamil Nadu, this drink is traditionally associated with Ram Navami, that is usually celebrated at the onset of summer.
Ingredients
50g – Jaggery
1l – Water
1/2tsp – Dry ginger
1 – Lemon
3 – Cardamoms crushed
Method
* Add jaggery to one litre of water and let it dissolve.
* Add three crushed cardamoms, half teaspoon of dried ginger and lemon juice.
* Refrigerate the mixture and serve chille
