Raisin the Bar: Jazz up Traditional Indian Summer Drinks with a Raisin Twist
Summer in India calls for refreshing drinks to beat the heat. While traditional drinks like lassi, chaas, and aam panna are popular, why not take them up a notch with a raisin twist?
Raisins not only add a burst of sweetness but also come with numerous health benefits. Here are some ideas to raisin the bar on your favorite summer drinks:
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Raisin Lassi: Lassi is a popular drink in India, especially during summers. To make a raisin lassi, soak raisins in water for 30 minutes. Blend the soaked raisins with yogurt, sugar or honey, and a pinch of cardamom powder until smooth. Serve chilled and garnish with chopped nuts and raisins.
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Raisin Chaas: Chaas, also known as buttermilk, is a refreshing drink made with yogurt. To make raisin chaas, blend raisins, cumin powder, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chili with yogurt and water. Add salt and blend again. Serve chilled with a sprig of mint leaves.
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Raisin Aam Panna: Aam panna is a popular summer drink made with raw mangoes. To make a raisin twist on this classic drink, soak raisins in water and blend them with boiled and mashed raw mango pulp, sugar or jaggery, cumin powder, black salt, and mint leaves. Serve chilled with ice cubes.
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Raisin Lemonade: Lemonade is a classic summer drink that can be easily elevated with raisins. Soak raisins in water for 30 minutes. Mix the soaked raisins, lemon juice, sugar or honey, and water in a blender until smooth. Serve chilled with a slice of lemon and a few raisins.
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Raisin Jaljeera: Jaljeera is a popular spicy drink in India made with cumin, coriander, and other spices. To make raisin jaljeera, soak raisins in water and blend them with cumin powder, coriander powder, black salt, mint leaves, and tamarind pulp. Add this mixture to water and stir well. Serve chilled with ice cubes.
Raisins not only add a sweet twist to traditional Indian summer drinks but also come packed with numerous health benefits. They are a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like iron and potassium.
So, go ahead raisin the bar on your favorite summer drinks with these simple yet delicious recipes!
