Jal Jeera Recipe – Sweet and Sour Cumin Water
A refreshing and flavorful drink, Jal Jeera is a quintessential part of Indian cuisine, especially enjoyed during the summer months for its cooling properties and digestive benefits. This Maharashtrian-style Jal Jeera blends cumin seeds, tamarind, mint, and pineapple juice into a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy concoction. It is often served as an appetizer or a digestive drink, offering a delightful way to kickstart a meal or cool down after a spicy feast.
Ingredients for Jal Jeera (Sweet and Sour Cumin Water)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) – dry roasted | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Mint powder (Pudina) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Kashmiri dry red chilies | ½ teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns – crushed | 8 pieces |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | ½ teaspoon |
| Black Salt (Kala Namak) | ½ teaspoon |
| Sea salt (or regular salt) | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh Mint leaves (Pudina) | 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Tamarind Paste (concentrated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves – chopped (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon (adjust as needed based on pineapple juice) |
| Pineapple | ½ cup (fresh or juice) |
| Chilled water | As needed (for adjusting consistency) |
| Boondi (fried chickpea flour snack) | To garnish |
Preparation Time: 0 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
How to Make Jal Jeera – Sweet and Sour Cumin Water
Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients
- Begin by washing the mint leaves and cilantro leaves thoroughly. Set them aside to dry.
- Peel and slice the pineapple into chunks. Extract the juice using a juicer and strain it twice to ensure clarity.
Step 2: Grind the Spices
- Dry roast the cumin seeds in a pan until they become aromatic. Let them cool and grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
- Add the ground cumin, Kashmiri red chilies, black peppercorns, asafoetida, and dry mango powder (amchur) into the spice grinder. Grind the dry spices together.
- Once ground, add the tamarind paste, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves. Add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of water and grind everything into a smooth, fine paste.
Step 3: Strain the Paste
- Strain the paste through a regular sieve first to remove any coarse particles.
- Then strain the paste again through a fine-mesh sieve to get a clear concentrated paste. This process helps ensure a smooth and velvety texture.
Step 4: Mix the Drink
- In a measuring jar, pour in the freshly extracted pineapple juice. Add water to fill the jar until you reach a total volume of 650 ml (approximately).
- Stir in the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely.
- Add the concentrated paste into the pineapple-water mixture and stir everything together. The flavors will blend into a tangy, spicy, and sweet drink.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill the prepared Jal Jeera in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle boondi (crisp fried chickpea flour snacks) over the top for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jal Jeera as a refreshing appetizer or digestive drink at your next gathering or meal. It pairs wonderfully with snacks like Aloo Tikki Chaat and Samosa for an authentic Indian experience. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy tamarind, and earthy spices makes it a perfect start to any Indian meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Jal Jeera
- Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your pineapple juice. If the juice is very sweet, reduce the sugar to suit your taste.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few extra mint leaves or garnish the drink with chopped coriander leaves.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of extra black pepper or Kashmiri red chili powder.
- The boondi garnish can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for a crispy addition to your drink.
Why You Should Try Jal Jeera
This delightful drink is more than just a refreshing summer beverage. It is packed with digestive spices like cumin and black salt, making it an excellent digestive aid. Jal Jeera is not only good for your palate but also supports your digestion and offers a cooling effect during hot weather. Additionally, it can help soothe the stomach after a heavy or spicy meal.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of this traditional Indian drink with your next meal, and it will undoubtedly become a favorite addition to your appetizer menu!
