How to prepare JalJeera

How to prepare JalJeera

On12th Aug 2024, 2024-10-12T16:29:36+05:30 ByReddamma D | read
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JalJeera is a traditional Indian summer drink known for its refreshing and tangy taste. Made with a blend of spices, herbs, and tangy lemon, it is both a thirst quencher and an appetizer.

Here's how you can prepare JalJeera at home:

Ingredients:

For the JalJeera Powder:

  • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
  • 1 teaspoon regular salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur)
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mint leaves (or use fresh mint leaves when blending)

For the JalJeera Drink:

  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (if not using dried mint in the powder)
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1-2 green chilies (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp (optional, for extra tanginess)
  • Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust to taste)
  • 1 liter chilled water or soda water
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes

For Garnish:

  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Boondi (crispy chickpea flour pearls)
  • Cucumber slices

Instructions:

  • Prepare the JalJeera Powder:
    • Dry roast the cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds in a pan over medium heat until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
    • Let the roasted spices cool down.
    • Grind the roasted spices along with black salt, regular salt, dried mango powder, chaat masala, and dried mint leaves (if using) to a fine powder. Store this JalJeera powder in an airtight container.
  • Prepare the Fresh Herb Paste:
    • In a blender, combine the fresh coriander leaves, fresh mint leaves (if not using dried mint), ginger, green chilies, and tamarind pulp (if using).
    • Blend to a smooth paste using a little water if needed.
  • Mix the JalJeera Drink:
    • In a large bowl or jug, mix the fresh herb paste with the chilled water or soda water.
    • Add 2-3 teaspoons of the prepared JalJeera powder to the mixture. Adjust the amount of powder based on your taste preference.
    • Add lemon juice and sugar or jaggery to taste. Stir well until the sugar or jaggery is dissolved.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or JalJeera powder if needed.
  • Serve:
    • Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
    • Pour the prepared JalJeera drink over the ice.
    • Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, cucumber slices, and a spoonful of boondi.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and tangy flavors of JalJeera.

Additional Tips:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice tolerance.
  • Storage: The JalJeera powder can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks and used as needed.
  • Variations: You can experiment by adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) or a splash of raw mango juice for different flavor profiles.
  • Serving Suggestion: JalJeera can be served as an appetizer drink before meals to stimulate appetite or enjoyed on hot summer days as a cooling beverage.

JalJeera is not only refreshing but also aids in digestion, making it a perfect drink for hot weather. Enjoy your homemade JalJeera.

Thanks for reading the article, for more food related articles read our peoples blog articles.

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