Aam Panna : Raw Mango and Mint Drink |Thirst Quencher|

While we are still enjoying the last few days of spring in this part of the world before summer sets in completely, back home summer has already made a grand entry. It is getting hot, hotter and hottest with each passing day and the mercury has already reached 40C and the real Summer is yet to come. Today’s recipe is Aam panna, a summer drink.

The northern parts of India is very hot and dry during summer while down  south and eastern regions, it is hot and humid. With too much sweating people are easily dehydrated and exhausted and so it is very important to keep hydrated. Nothing can beat water to hydrate the body during the summer, but sometimes a cool refreshing homemade drink can do wonders when you come home tired and exhausted.

Aam panna is essentially a summer drink when raw green mangoes throng the market. Teamed up with some fresh mint leaves which has a cooling effect, this drink gives a respite from the sweltering heat in the summer months. It is very helpful to beat the heat and gulping down a glass of cool aam panna leaves within you a refreshing cool effect. A must for this Summer!

This drink as I said, is popular all over the subcontinent and as the geographical area changes so does the recipe. Some use jaggery to the drink while others use roasted mangoes to give it a smoky flavor. Some like it with some fresh mints while others do without it. Here I have a very basic recipe of aam panna which can be adjusted according to one’s pallet.

It is a refreshing drink and has a bit of a tangy taste from the mangoes and fresh cool flavor from the mint leaves. Next time greet your guests with a glass of chilled aam panna instead of the store bought soda. They will love you even more.

Tips:

The raw mango pulp can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. If you do not want an intense mint flavor in your drink, you can muddle few leaves in a mortar and pestle and add in your drink at the end.

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AAM PANNA : RAW MANGO AND MINT DRINK

• • YIELD: 4-6 tall glass (4-6 Servings)

• PREP: 30 mins
• COOK: 10 mins
• READY IN: 40 mins

A refreshing summer drink with little bit of a tangy taste from the raw mangoes and a fresh and cool flavor from the mint leaves. A great summer cooler to keep you hydrated and beat the heat.

INGREDIENTS

• • 2 large raw mangoes

• • 1/4 cup mint leaves fresh

• • 4-6 wedges lime optional

• • 1/4 teaspoon salt

• • 1/4 teaspoon black salt

• • 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin coarsely ground

• • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or to taste

• • 4-6 glass water chilled

• 1 cup ice crushed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash thoroughly the mangoes and pressure cook it until 2-3 whistles. When it is cool to handle, squeeze all the pulp from the mangoes and discard the rind and the stone. Alternately you can roast the mangoes in an open fire until the mangoes are soft . Roasting the mangoes give a distinct flavor but it is a bit time consuming.
2. In a blender add the mango pulp, washed mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, black salt, regular salt and sugar. Blend it well. Give a taste test and adjust accordingly.Now add the crushed ice and give a final whizz.
3. Divide the mixture between 4-6 tall glasses and add chilled water. Squeeze in a wedge of lime if using.
4. Serve chilled with a slice of lime.

• CUISINE: Indian
• COURSE: Drinks and Beverages