SHIKANJI
Refreshing, cooling Shikanji is a homemade spiced lemonade prepared in every household during summer season. It is commonly known as Nimbu pani.
Summer has hit hard Kuwait these days and temperature rises up to 47-49 degree Celsius. Shikanji is making its apperance frequently at my home these days to beat the scorching heat of the sun. It is the best thirst quencher which also makes up the water and salt loss due to sweating from our body. A glass of shikanji comes as a life saver on the intense hot days of summer season.
This zesty drink is made with fresh lemon juice and spices like black salt/ rock salt, cumin powder, black pepper powder which are easily available in every Indian spice box. Black salt/ rock salt gives a tangy, sour flavour to the shikanji. To balance the sour and salty flavour I add sugar syrup for the sweetness. If you do not like the pungent taste of black salt you are free to add regular salt or Himalayan pink salt. Mint is great cooling herb for summers , it tastes great when added to shikanji. You can grind some mint leaves along with to add nice green colour to the shikanji. This time I just wanted to enjoy the authentic taste of shikanji so I added mint leaves only for garnishing.
To make sugar syrup, to a cup of sugar add a cup of water and bring it to boil. Once the sugar dissolves and solution starts to boil , let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Switch off the flame , once cooled to room temperature you can use it in shikanji and store rest of it in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.
You can also check out my other summer coolers on the blog
Masala Chaas / Spiced buttermilk
Cuisine : Indian
Course : Drinks
Prep time : 10 min
Cooking time : No cooking required
Serving : 3
Ingredients
3 Cups water
1/4 Tsp cumin powder
1/4 Tsp black pepper powder
1/2 Tsp rock salt/ black salt/regular salt
3-4 Tbsp sugar syrup
2-3 Tbsp lemon juice
Few ice cubes
To garnish
Mint leaves
Roasted cumin seeds
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. To the jar of the blender add water , black salt, cumin powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice , sugar syrup and ice cubes.
2. Blend it for a minute till all is well combined and empty it in jar.
3. Serve in glass , garnished with mint leaves, cumin seeds and lemon wedges.
HOMEMADE LEMONADE......THE REFRESHING DRINK
