Kokum Juice Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried kokum petals
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (optional)
- Black salt to taste
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak Kokum:
- Place the dried kokum petals in a bowl. Add 2 cups of water and let them soak for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. This will soften the kokum and release its flavor.
2. Extract Kokum Concentrate:
- After soaking, squeeze the soaked kokum to extract the juice. Discard the petals and keep the kokum concentrate aside.
3. Prepare Simple Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and sugar. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow it to cool.
4. Mix Kokum Concentrate:
- Add the extracted kokum concentrate to the simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Flavorings:
- If using, add roasted cumin powder for an additional layer of flavor. Add black salt to taste. Adjust the sweetness, salt, and cumin according to your preference.
6. Strain (Optional):
- If you prefer a clear juice, strain the mixture to remove any residue. This step is optional, as some people enjoy the texture of the kokum particles.
7. Chill:
- Refrigerate the kokum juice for at least 1-2 hours until it's nicely chilled.
8. Serve:
- Pour the chilled kokum juice into glasses. Add ice cubes if desired.
9. Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
10. Enjoy:
- Stir and enjoy your homemade refreshing Kokum Juice. It's a perfect summer cooler with a unique sweet-tangy flavor.
Kokum juice is not only delicious but also known for its cooling properties. It's a popular traditional beverage, especially during hot weather.