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:

1. Start by peeling the mangoes and extracting the juicy pulp. Place the pulp in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Garnish the Aam Panna with a sprig of fresh mint leaves and a lemon wedge.
8. 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!