Bael Ka Sharbat Recipe – Wood Apple Squash Drink
Refreshing Summer Delight
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Bael Ka Sharbat is a delightful and refreshing drink made from the wood apple fruit (also known as bael). This sweet and sour beverage is a perfect way to welcome guests or cool down on a hot summer day. With its aromatic combination of jaggery, mint, cumin powder, and lemon, this traditional North Indian drink is an absolute treat to your taste buds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wood apple (bael fruit) | 1 whole fruit |
| Jaggery (or sugar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Black salt (Kala Namak) | To taste |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | From 1 lemon |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | As required |
| Water (chilled) | As required |
| Ice cubes | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mint: Begin by muddling the mint leaves in a bowl and set them aside to release their refreshing aroma.
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Extract the Bael Pulp: Take the wood apple (bael fruit) and break it open by hitting it on the floor gently. Scoop out the pulp using a spoon or scooper and transfer it to a large bowl.
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Mash the Pulp: Pour in a little water into the pulp and use your hands to mash it, helping to separate the seeds from the pulp.
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Strain the Liquid: Once mashed, strain the pulp through a sieve to separate the seeds and fibers, ensuring only the smooth liquid remains. Repeat this process by adding a little more water and straining again to get as much juice as possible.
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Add Sweetness and Spices: To the extracted juice, add jaggery (or sugar) to taste, lemon juice, black salt, and cumin powder. Adjust the sweetness and spices to your preference.
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Add Mint and Water: Stir in the muddled mint leaves, add chilled water to your desired consistency, and mix everything well.
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Serve: Add ice cubes for an extra chill and stir again. Pour the Bael Ka Sharbat into glasses and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of jaggery or sugar used. Jaggery adds a deeper, more earthy sweetness to the drink.
- Enhance flavor: For an added punch, you can increase the quantity of cumin powder or black salt.
- Serving suggestion: Bael Ka Sharbat makes an excellent summer refreshment on its own. You can also pair it with traditional snacks like Baked Chevdo (Chivda Mixture) and Baked Mathri (Non-Fried Tea-Time Snack) for a complete meal experience.
Why You’ll Love It:
Bael Ka Sharbat is not just a treat for the senses; it’s also packed with health benefits. The bael fruit is known for its cooling properties, while the cumin powder aids in digestion, making it the perfect drink to serve during the hot summer months. The inclusion of mint, black salt, and lemon adds a burst of flavor that refreshes and revives your senses.
This easy-to-make drink is the perfect way to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum refreshment!
