It was the recipe challenge on one of the food groups on Facebook that compelled me to try out some beverages this week – so the next few posts will be some refreshing summer coolants that I am sure my readers will enjoy just as much as I did. One of the recipes posted by one of the members was this lovely drink that is typically made by the Konkani community and served especially in temples I heard. Its a lovely blend of the most natural ingredients that aim to keep the body cool and balance all the elements of the body.
The list of ingredients is not too lengthy and one can find them in most homes – jaggery, pepper, ginger (dry or fresh), lime or lemon juice and water. There is no boiling involved and the drink tastes much better as it ages. It is so refreshing especially on a hot summer day and I am sure you can imagine how it will taste when you are just back from spending some time in the hot sun. The spiciness of the ginger and pepper is well balanced by the large amount of jaggery (unrefined whole cane sugar) that lends a natural sweetness to the drink and also adds to the health quotient. The lime juice adds a bit of zest to an otherwise sweet and spicy drink.
Dry ginger powder is known as Sunth or Saunth in Konkani and since this particular version includes this ingredient it is known as Saunth Panak.
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This summer, I hope to find many more such delightful recipes to make refreshing beverages at home – I hope that the next time I entertain guests at home I don’t need to buy store bought drinks. Do try this at home and let me know how you liked it!
Saunth Panak (Konkani Style Jaggery, Ginger & Pepper Drink)
Recipe credit: Sundari Kamath
Preparation time: 2-3 mins | Serves 4
You Need:
- 1 litre water (approx 5 cups)
- 12 -13 tbsp (or to taste) jaggery
- 1 tbsp crushed pepper
- 1 tbsp dry ginger powder
- 1/2 lime – juice extracted
Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a vessel. The jaggery will dissolve on its own. Refrigerate and strain before serving. Enjoy chilled!
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nice refreshing drink 🙂
I made this but with fresh ginger and it did not taste so good. Will attempt once I have the right ingredients. Love it.
An incredible drink with many healing values..
yum and delicious drink.
Ummm.. you took me back to native temples.. Yeah, they serve this panak there.. also its pretty common in konkani household during festivals
Very Refreshing and Chemical free drink
love such traditional summer coolers. delectable and good for health.
a fabulous drink, healthy n refreshing than any soft drinks 🙂 It's totally fine dear u couldn't take part in my event…hope ur health is fine now and thanx a lot for trying out brinjal raita 🙂
My ma-in-law made this while we were home last time and I lost count of how many glasses I drank.Cannot believe something as simple as this can be so refreshing!She first makes a coarse powder using cardamom,pepper and ginger.Adds water to it and squeezes the powder by hands and then strains it and adds it to the jaggery water.Then adds lime and refrigerates it.Absolutely refreshing!
Tried this drink & it turned out awesome.healthy n refreshing drink.Today i am going to make again. Do you know how to make green lemon drink?which is green in color.
Thanks everybody for your lovely comments!!
@Lewis: Great to know that you enjoyed the panak!! I haven't tried the green lemon drink, but hopefully will try it and post the recipe here soon:)
Add some yeast and ferment it for 4-5 days….. Ginger beer is ready.. and it is very tasty…
Wow! That’s an awesome idea 🙂 Have you tried it?