Nongu Paal Recipe – Palm Fruit Drink
Description:
The Nongu Paal Recipe, also known as the Palm Fruit Drink, is a cooling and rejuvenating beverage that originates from India. Made with the refreshing ice apple (nongu), this drink is perfect for beating the heat during the hot summer months. Its natural sweetness, combined with the richness of milk, cardamom, and rose water, makes it an ideal thirst quencher. The added pomegranate kernels and rose petals provide a delightful burst of color and flavor, turning this simple drink into a truly refreshing experience.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ice Apple (Nongu), deskinned | 10 pieces |
| Milk | 1/2 liter |
| Sugar or honey | To taste |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Rose Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Pomegranate Fruit Kernels | 2 tablespoons |
| Rose Petals (optional) | 15 petals |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Milk Base:
Start by boiling the milk in a saucepan, adding the cardamom powder. Allow the milk to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Once done, remove the milk from the stove and allow it to cool completely. This step infuses the milk with the aromatic flavor of cardamom. -
Prepare the Ice Apple:
Peel the ice apple (nongu) and set aside. Take 5 pieces of the palm fruit and blend them in a blender until smooth. Chop the remaining 5 pieces of fruit into small, bite-sized chunks for texture in the drink. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Once the milk has cooled, add the blended ice apple pulp and the chopped pieces to the milk. Add sugar or honey according to your taste preferences and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. To further enhance the drink’s fragrance, mix in the rose water. -
Chill the Drink:
Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the drink to cool thoroughly. -
Serve:
Just before serving, add ice cubes to glasses and pour the chilled Nongu Paal over the ice. Garnish with fresh pomegranate kernels and rose petals to give the drink a lovely, refreshing touch.
Serving Suggestion:
This refreshing drink can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a light, healthy snack such as Dry Fruit Barfi (Halwa) or a tangy Papaya Orange Pomegranate Salad with Roasted Peanuts. The combination of Nongu Paal and these snacks creates a perfect summer treat.
Tips for the Perfect Nongu Paal:
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the drink by adding more or less sugar or honey according to your preference.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh ice apples (nongu) for the best flavor. If they are unavailable, you can try substituting with other tropical fruits like coconut or jackfruit, but the taste will differ.
- Rose Water Alternative: If you prefer a less floral taste, you can substitute rose water with a few drops of vanilla extract for a different aromatic twist.
- Chill Well: For a more refreshing experience, ensure that the drink is chilled for at least 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Enjoy this soothing and refreshing Nongu Paal as a delightful summer drink that not only cools you down but also refreshes your senses with the unique flavors of palm fruit, cardamom, and rose.
