Sweetened drink concoction by Kokam
Lemme Spill the (Kokum) Tea:
The natural wonder, Kokum, is a little dark purple plum from the Garcinia indica tree, found exclusively in India. It sure does look like a small, shiny gem, with its dried, dark purple, curled-edged rind that's got an aroma that's fruity, balsamic, and tannic. And don't even get me started on the taste - it's a medley of sharp acidity, saltiness, and dried-fruit sweetness.
In Indian cuisine, Kokum serves as a great souring agent, akin to tamarind or amchur. Beat the summer heat with giant glasses of Kokum sharbat, a cold beverage enjoyed across the nation.
What's Needed:- Grab yourself some Kokum, sold as whole fruits or small, leathery pieces. Opt for the deeper colored ones; they're the choicest. Remember, these soft, pliable rinds ain't exactly long-lasting, so buy in small quantities.
- Servings: 1 drink
- Difficulty Level: As simple as pie
- Total Time: 10 minutes (yup, you read that right)
Ingredients (4):
- 1/2 cup Kokum
- 1 teaspoon toasted and ground cumin seeds (optional - usually, traditional recipes skip the cumin)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
Steps to Slurp:
- Soak the Kokum in hot water to cover until soft. Use a blender or food processor to puree with cumin seeds. Strain the puree, then toss the solids.
- In a pot, boil water with sugar to make a syrup. Combine the strained puree with the cooled syrup.
- Pour 1/4 cup of the mixture into a large glass filled with ice-cold water, mix well, and serve chilled, no ice necessary.
(Fun fact: Kokum sharbat is famous for its cooling properties, aiding digestion and providing antioxidant benefits. It helps balance body temperature and is a summer essential[1][3][4].)
- The aforementioned ingredients – which include Kokum, cumin seeds, water, and sugar – are essential for making a traditional Indian Kokum sharbat recipe.
- People sell Kokum fruits or small, leathery pieces in various markets, and these choicest, deep-colored rinds are highly sought after due to their distinct taste and nutritional benefits.
- Kokum sharbat is not just a refreshing drink enjoyed during summer, but it also offers significant advantages for nutrition, aiding digestion, balancing body temperature, and providing antioxidant benefits.
