Aam Panna: The Authentic Indian Mango Cooler
Welcome to the exotic world of Indian flavors!
In this edition of Kitchens of India, we bring you a refreshing summer beverage that will transport you to the sun-drenched mango orchards of India. Aam Panna, a traditional Indian mango cooler, is not only rejuvenating but also packed with essential nutrients.
Let’s dive into this flavorful journey and learn how to prepare this delightful drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 large, ripe mangoes
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust as per your taste)
- Crushed ice cubes
- Chilled water
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- Start by peeling the mangoes and extracting the juicy pulp. Place the pulp in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Take the fresh mint leaves and roughly tear them before adding them to the blender. Blend once again until the mint is incorporated into the mango puree.
- Next, add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and sugar to the blender. Blend all the ingredients together until well combined and the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer over a pitcher and pour the mango mixture into it. Use a spoon to press the pulp and extract all the liquid.
- Now, take a glass and fill it halfway with crushed ice cubes. Pour the mango mixture over the ice until the glass is three-quarters full.
- Slowly add chilled water into the glass, stirring gently to mix it well with the mango puree. Adjust the water quantity according to your desired consistency.
- Garnish the Aam Panna with a sprig of fresh mint leaves and a lemon wedge.
- Repeat the process for the remaining glasses and serve the Aam Panna chilled.
Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness of Aam Panna by adding more or less sugar, depending on your preference.
- For a tangy twist, you can squeeze a little lemon juice into the drink.
- To enhance the flavor, you can also add a pinch of black pepper powder or a dash of chaat masala.
Aam Panna is a timeless Indian summer cooler that perfectly captures the essence of ripe mangoes and the cooling freshness of mint. This delightful drink is not only a thirst quencher but also beneficial for digestion.
So, beat the summer heat with this refreshing Aam Panna and savour the flavours of India in every sip. Cheers!
