Cumin and Tamarind Drink Recipe

(Zeera Pani)

Cumin is reputed to be a digestive, and this refreshingly sour drink is served as an appetizer. Serve it chilled, with crushed ice, a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon to garnish.

Ingredients :

1/2 cup

2 cups

3 teaspoons

2 teaspoons

1/2 teaspoon

3 teaspoons

Dried tamarind pulp

Hot water

Finely grated fresh ginger

Ground cumin

Garam masala

Sugar or to taste

Pinch chili powder, optional

Salt to taste

Iced water and crushed ice for serving

Mint sprigs, lemon slices to garnish

1. Soak tamarind pulp in the hot water and leave for 2 hours or overnight.

2. Squeeze to dissolve the pulp and separate the seeds.

3. Strain through nylon sieve.

4. Add remaining ingredients, stir well.

5. Then strain again through very fine sieve or muslin.

6. Chill.

7. Dilute with iced water at serving time.

8. Add ice and garnish.