Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Reveals 5 Traditional Natural Summer Coolers to Combat the Heat
As summer temperatures soar, the craving for chilled, hydrating, and flavorful beverages intensifies. While packaged drinks flood the market, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor advocates for traditional summer coolers made fresh at home. He recently shared five natural recipes that are not only delicious but also effective in warding off the heat. These drinks, rooted in Indian culinary heritage, offer a healthy alternative to commercial options.
1. Kokum Sharbat: A Tangy Coastal Delight
Kokum Sharbat is a deep-purple, tangy drink made from the kokum fruit, indigenous to the Konkan coast. Known for its cooling properties, it helps prevent sunstroke or heat stroke.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup kokum petals
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Black salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons roasted cumin powder
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- Ice cubes as required
- Fresh mint leaves as required
Method: Blend kokum petals with water to a fine puree and reserve the water. Heat the reserved kokum water in a non-stick pan, add sugar, and cook until thickened. In glasses, combine kokum puree, syrup, black salt, cumin powder, and lemon juice. Top with water, ice cubes, and mint leaves, then serve immediately.
2. Watermelon Cooler with Basil Seeds: A Hydrating Refresher
This drink combines watermelon juice with super-hydrating basil seeds and spices for a revitalizing summer beverage.
Ingredients:
- 1 watermelon
- Black salt to taste
- 4 lemons
- 4 tablespoons basil seeds soaked in water
- Crushed black pepper
Method: Peel, chop, and deseed the watermelon, then juice it. In tall glasses, add black salt, crushed pepper, and soaked basil seeds. Squeeze lemon juice and add slices. Pour in watermelon juice, stir well, and serve.
3. Sattu Sherbat: A Central Indian Classic
Sattu Sherbat, made from roasted chana powder, is a popular cooling drink in central India. It can be prepared sweet with jaggery or savory with spices.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons sattu flour
- Salt to taste
- 2 glasses water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Black salt
- Mint leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Ice
Method: Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stir well, refrigerate, and serve chilled.
4. Bael Sharbat: A Nutritious Summer Staple
Bael Sharbat, made from the bael fruit, is a traditional drink that aids digestion and provides essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 bael fruit
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Method: Break the fruit and soak in water for 30 minutes. Extract and mash the pulp, then strain to remove seeds and fiber. Add sugar, cumin, and black pepper, stir well, refrigerate, and serve chilled.
5. Aam Panna: The Ultimate Heat Preventer
Aam Panna is a beloved summer drink made with raw mangoes, known for preventing heat stroke.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium raw mangoes
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Ice cubes as required
Method: Wash and pressure cook raw mangoes with water for 3-4 whistles. Peel, squeeze out the pulp, and discard seeds. Mix with sugar, blend to a paste, then cook in a pan until boiling. Add black salt and cumin powder, cook briefly, cool, and store. To serve, mix with water and ice cubes.
These traditional summer coolers, shared by Sanjeev Kapoor, offer a natural and healthy way to stay refreshed during the hot months. By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you can enjoy flavorful drinks while benefiting from their cooling effects.
