Konkani Style Solkadhi Recipe – Kokum Drink
Solkadhi is a refreshing and flavorful digestive drink made from kokum, a fruit belonging to the mangosteen family, and fresh coconut. This specialty drink is a popular offering in the coastal Konkan region, stretching from Goa to Maharashtra. Known for its tangy, cooling properties, it is often served as a side dish or accompaniment to hearty meals, particularly seafood and rice-based dishes. Perfect for hot weather, Solkadhi aids in digestion while delivering a deliciously tangy flavor with every sip.
Cuisine: Konkan
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kokum (Malabar Tamarind) | 12 pods |
| Fresh Coconut, grated | 1 cup |
| Green Chilli | 1 whole |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | For garnish |
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Kokum:
Begin by soaking the kokum pods in 1/2 cup of warm water. Let them soak for about 30 to 45 minutes. After soaking, squeeze the pods to extract their juices, then discard the pods and retain the kokum-infused water. -
Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a mortar and pestle, combine the green chilli, cumin powder, garlic cloves, coriander leaves, and salt. Smash them together until they form a rough paste. This spice blend will add a rich, aromatic flavor to the solkadhi. -
Make Coconut Milk:
In a mixer-grinder, blend the freshly grated coconut with enough water to make a smooth paste. Once blended, strain the paste through a fine sieve to extract fresh coconut milk. You can repeat this extraction process a couple of times, although the milk will become thinner with each consecutive strain. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the freshly extracted coconut milk and kokum concentrate. Then, add the crushed garlic and chilli-spice paste to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully. -
Taste and Adjust:
Taste your solkadhi and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spice if needed, depending on your preference. The solkadhi should have a tangy, slightly spicy, and refreshing taste. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the solkadhi with mint leaves or chopped coriander to enhance its refreshing flavor. Serve it chilled for the most satisfying experience.
Serving Suggestions
Solkadhi is best enjoyed chilled as a side dish or accompaniment to a Goan-style meal. Pair it with Amlechi Uddamethi (Goan tamarind rice) or Sangacho Ross (Goan fish curry) and steamed rice for a traditional, wholesome meal. Its cooling and digestive properties make it a perfect palate cleanser.
Enjoy this easy-to-make, traditional Konkan drink that combines the richness of fresh coconut with the tang of kokum, offering a delightful balance of flavors with every sip.
