Recipe:Raw Mango Cooler

Aam Pana,  the traditional summer cooler to beat the heat – but with a smokey twist!

Ingredients:

1                   …………..  raw mango
1 small piece ……………  ginger (or 1/2 tsp grated ginger )
1/ 4 cup        ………………. sugar
2-3 drops     ……….  lemon juice
1 tbsp           …………… cumin roasted and freshly ground into powder
3 cups           …………… water
salt to taste
1 small          …………… green chili (optional)
1/2 tsp          …………… black pepper powder (optional)

Method:

• Boil 3 cups of water with a few cumin seeds. Set aside to cool it.
• To add a smokey flavor, we will first roast the mango.
• Wash and dry the raw mango. Prick on the outside with a knife at a few places. Roast it for 2-3 minutes on an open flame turning it often.
• Boil the mango till it’s soft and mashable.
• Peel the skin from the mango and take out the pulp.
• In a grinder, add mango pulp, salt, pepper powder, green chili, ginger and sugar. Grind it to make a thick paste. (use water if required)
• In a bowl, add the mango paste. Add lemon juice and cumin powder. Now slowly start adding the cumin flavored water till the taste and consistency is right. (you may not need the full 3 cups of water)
• Add crushed ice. Ready to serve.