Jal Jeera Recipe – Indian Spiced Lemonade
Jal Jeera is a refreshing and tangy Indian drink that combines the bold flavors of roasted cumin, mint, and black salt to create a perfect thirst-quencher. Known for its cooling and digestive properties, this traditional Indian spiced lemonade is the perfect drink to serve during summer or at a vibrant chaat party. With its sharp, aromatic flavors and a zing of lemon, Jal Jeera is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Indian beverages.
This recipe is easy to make, quick to assemble, and will surely be a hit with guests. Whether you’re serving it as a welcome drink at a gathering or pairing it with your favorite chaats, this refreshing drink adds a flavorful punch to any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can make this deliciously spiced drink at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) – roasted and powdered | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) – freshly chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | Adjust according to taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Duration | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 2 |
Cuisine and Course
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| Indian | Snack |
Diet
| Diet |
|---|
| Vegetarian |
Instructions
To begin making your Jal Jeera, gather all the ingredients in one place. If you do not have roasted cumin powder on hand, no worries! Simply take the cumin seeds and dry roast them in a pan over low to medium heat. Keep stirring until the seeds release a rich aroma. Once they start to sizzle and become fragrant, turn off the heat. Allow the seeds to cool before grinding them to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Now, take a large bowl and add 4 cups of water. Stir in the roasted cumin powder, black salt, freshly chopped mint leaves, lemon juice, and regular salt to taste. Mix everything well, ensuring that the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Once mixed, transfer the Jal Jeera to the refrigerator and let it chill for a couple of hours. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you the perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess.
When ready to serve, taste and adjust the salt and cumin levels according to your preference. If you like a little extra spice, feel free to add a dash of black pepper powder or even crushed green chilies for an additional zing.
Jal Jeera is best served chilled, so pour it into glasses and serve it as a refreshing welcome drink at summer parties, or pair it with chaats like Indian Misal Bunny Chow, Karnataka Style Churumuri (Spicy Puffed Rice), or Delhi Style Matar Chaat for a complete Indian snacking experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Jal Jeera
- Freshness is key: Always use freshly chopped mint leaves for a more aromatic and refreshing flavor.
- Adjust to taste: The level of spiciness and tanginess in Jal Jeera is completely customizable. You can experiment with the amount of cumin and lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Cooling effect: Add a few ice cubes just before serving to enhance the drink’s cooling effect, especially on a hot day.
- Add extra flavors: For a unique twist, you can add a few slices of cucumber or a hint of ginger juice for added freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Refreshing Welcome Drink: Jal Jeera is an excellent drink to serve as a welcome drink for guests at summer parties or gatherings.
- Pair with Chaats: It pairs beautifully with other popular Indian snacks like Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Aloo Tikki, or Samosas. It can also complement spicy chaat dishes like Misal, Churumuri, or Matar Chaat.
- For Digestive Benefits: Traditionally, Jal Jeera is believed to have digestive properties, making it the perfect drink after a heavy meal or spicy food.
Nutritional Information (Approximate values per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 50 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
Jal Jeera is not just a drink; it’s an experience—a burst of flavors that rejuvenates your senses. This spiced lemonade brings the traditional Indian flavors straight into your home, and with just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a cooling, flavorful drink anytime. Make it for your next gathering, or simply to enjoy a refreshing, tangy beverage on a warm day.
