Soothing Potions

Refreshing drinks for wellness in scorching summer.

- Kavita Nagpal

PANAGAM (SWEET GINGER DRINK)

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup galangal

2 tsp palm sugar/jaggery

1 inch cube ginger

4 cardamom pods, crushed

2 cups water

METHOD

Peel and chop ginger, blend all ingredients, strain, and serve cold.

INJI NEER MORU (GINGER BUTTERMILK DRINK)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup yogurt

3 cups water

Small piece of ginger

A few curry leaves

A pinch of asafoetida

Rock salt to taste

METHOD

Wash, peel, and finely chop the ginger. Blend all ingredients, transfer to a jug, cool, and serve.

NEER MORU (ASAFOETIDA BUTTERMILK)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup yogurt

1/8 tsp asafoetida

1 sprig curry leaves

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp sesame oil

Rock salt to taste

METHOD

Blend yogurt, salt, and water to form a thin buttermilk drink. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then add asafoetida and curry leaves, and mix into the buttermilk. Optionally, garnish with chopped green chilies for extra spice.