Guest Recipe Contributor
By Mithi Shukla
Now that summer is finally in full swing, what better recipe than a refreshing glass of fruity masala soda! This drink is a more traditional non-alcoholic North Indian summer drink. Some of the ingredients like cumin, black pepper, fennel, and ginger actually have a cooling effect on the body and can help aid in digestion. Not only is this drink delicious and refreshing, but also great for you, so that you can stay outside longer to enjoy some of your favorite summer activities. This masala soda is a quick and easy recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to make.
Servings: 7
Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Ingredients
½ cup mint leaves (not stems)
½ inch ginger
2 ½ tablespoon lime or lemon juice
2 cups fresh strawberries
½ cup raspberries
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ tablespoon black salt
½ teaspoon regular salt
½ teaspoon black peppercorn
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 ½ tablespoon sugar (or per taste)
½ tablespoon aamchur powder or dried mango powder
½ tablespoon tamarind paste
1 – 1.25 liters water, club soda or sparkling water
Method
On a slow flame, dry roast cumin seeds, fennel seeds and peppercorn in a pan for 2-3 mins or until they become fragrant. Once it’s ready take it off the flame and let it cool down.
Now, put the mint leaves, ginger, aamchur powder, black salt, regular salt, sugar, lime/lemon juice, roasted spices, tamarind paste, strawberries, and raspberries into a blender.
Blend until a smooth paste forms.
Once the paste is ready, strain it out with a fine mesh strainer into a cup to separate the pulp from the juice. This will allow for a much smoother drink.
In the same cup with the strained juice, add in your chilled water of choice – regular water, club soda or sparkling water! In my case, I added in a guava La Croix for a little extra tropical flavor. Stir everything to incorporate all the fruity, spicy flavors.
Garnish with a mint leaf, or your fruit of choice (I used a few blueberries) and enjoy!
