Refreshing Jal Jeera
Jal jeera is a sharp chilled cumin-mint drink with coriander, tamarind, black salt, lemon, and crunchy boondi.
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10 mintotal
Prep 10 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice
- Medium
Ingredients
Quantities are for 2 servings.
No inactive time; blend the herb-spice concentrate first, then dilute with chilled water just before serving.
Method
In a blender, add the mint leaves, coriander leaves, ginger, tamarind paste (or lemon juice), sugar, black salt, regular salt, cumin powder, and black pepper.
Add a splash of water and blend to a very smooth, fine green paste.
Transfer this paste to a large jug or pitcher.
Pour in the chilled water and stir extremely well to dissolve the paste.
Taste the Jal Jeera. Adjust the salt, sourness (tamarind/lemon), or sweetness (sugar) according to your preference.
Strain the mixture through a sieve if you prefer a perfectly smooth drink, though traditionally it is served unstrained.
Place a few ice cubes in serving glasses and pour the Jal Jeera over them.
Garnish with a generous pinch of crispy Boondi right before serving so they stay crunchy.
How to tell it's done
Should be a highly liquid, sharply tangy, and spicy broth with crunchy bits of boondi floating on top.
Getting it right
Tip
Soaking the Boondi in warm water for 5 minutes and squeezing them before adding to the drink makes them soft, but dry crispy boondi is preferred by many.
What to serve it with
Serve as a summer welcome drink, or alongside chaat, pakoras, and other savory snacks.
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