April through June is a fantastic time, to be in Croatia that is. But if you’re back home in Delhi, you’ll need to take out all the tricks from the bag to beat the heat. Shikanji and Chhach have started doing the rounds at DSSC HQ, but that’s not enough to survive the grim summers. We need high levels of hydration, immense amounts of cooling and above all, a whole lotta taste! To the rescue, #DSSCRecommends delicious desi summer coolers that are easy-peasy and will make your summer breezy.
Sattu Sharbat
Sattu Paranthas are common (especially during Navratras), you might have even had a laddoo or eleven, but Sattu Sharbat is the refreshing drink you need to drink this summer. Usually made with Chane ka Sattu (black chickpea), this bev from Bihar can be sweetened with honey or made savoury with salt, lemon & mint. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of sattu with a glass of water, add your preferred flavouring, and enjoy!
Fringe Benefits: Apart from possessing the power to cause near-instant cooling, this drink will also give you lustrous hair, and it’s low glycemic index is great for diabetics.
Image: patnabeats.com
Bel ki Sharbat
Bel or Bael, also know as Wood Apple, is considered sacred in many parts of India. After trying the juice when Delhi hit 40 degrees, it’s sacred in the DSSC HQ too. This summer cooler is very simple to make – scoop out the pulp from the ripe fruit, remove the seeds and blend pulp with roasted cumin powder, black salt, and jaggery as per taste. Get your glass of water ready, add in some of the sharbat mix and stay cool.
Fringe Benefits: Bel is a lucky fruit with multiple mentions in the Ayurveda, this summer saviour helps control cholesterol and helps purify blood.
Image: youtube.com
Imli ka Paani
Tamarind is used is many Indian cuisines for its unique sweet & sour flavour, and it also makes for an excellent drink. To get this summer cooler ready, blend some tamarind paste (⅓ cup) with jaggery, cumin powder, and 6 glasses of water, and serve it on the rocks – cheers!
Fringe Benefits: This positively refreshing & tangy bev helps boost metabolism and its antioxidants aid
in strengthening the immune system.
Image: dobbyssignature.com
Aam Panna
Summers without mangoes mean squat, so while we wait for the golden version, let’s get a batch of green mango Aam Panna ready. Place 2-3 green mangoes in a pan, cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, till mangoes are soft and then peel them to take out the pulp. Mix the pulp with sugar, salt, cumin, and cold water. And some mint to the glass and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Fringe Benefits: This A-grade summer cooler is full of Vitamin B & C, as well as iron.
Image: binjalsvegkitchen.com
That’s all for now, stay healthy folks.
Featured Image Courtesy: williams-sonoma.tumblr.com
