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
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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.
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