Hello, I’m Priya Das, and I come from the southern part of India. Growing up, my grandma used to make Panakam every summer to help us stay hydrated and cool in the scorching heat. It’s a nostalgic drink that takes me back to my childhood, and I’m excited to share this traditional recipe with you all.
Priya Das is an avid traveler and a passionate food enthusiast who loves to explore different cuisines and cultures around the world. She has a keen interest in learning about the history and origins of various dishes and enjoys experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. In her free time, she also enjoys reading books and practicing yoga.
Priya currently resides in the United States and grew up in India.
Panakam is a refreshing drink that originated in South India and is traditionally made during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami. It’s made with jaggery, which is a type of unrefined sugar, and spices like ginger and cardamom, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma. Legend has it that Lord Rama used to drink this drink to beat the summer heat while he was in exile.
In today’s world, where sugary and carbonated drinks are the norm, Panakam is a healthy and natural alternative that is perfect for summer. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are easily available. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your taste buds to new and exciting flavors. So, why not give this traditional recipe a try and beat the summer heat in style?
What you need
If you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy drink to beat the summer heat, look no further than Panakam! Made with jaggery, a unique unrefined cane sugar that adds a distinct caramel-like flavor, and cardamom, a fragrant and versatile spice, this traditional South Indian drink is sure to tantalize your taste buds. To make it, simply mix the jaggery and water, add the spices and lemon juice, and chill it for at least an hour before serving. You can even add a splash of soda or sparkling water for some fizz! With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, Panakam is the perfect drink to cool off and unwind with on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
- Jaggery – A type of unrefined cane sugar used in South Asian cuisine. It adds a distinct caramel-like flavor to the drink. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Water – The base for the drink that helps dilute the jaggery and spices.
- Dry ginger powder – A warming spice that adds a subtle ginger flavor to the drink. You can also use fresh ginger, grated or chopped finely.
- Cardamom powder – A fragrant spice that adds a sweet and floral note to the drink. You can also use whole cardamom pods, crushed, or ground in a spice grinder.
- Lemon juice – Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the drink. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking.
Utensils:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pitcher
Jaggery, a unique unrefined cane sugar
Jaggery is a traditional sweetener used in many South Asian cuisines and is made by boiling sugarcane juice until it thickens and solidifies. It has a distinct caramel-like flavor and is known for its nutritional benefits, including its high iron content. As someone who grew up in India, jaggery holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of my childhood. I love how it adds a unique flavor to the Panakam and also makes it a healthier alternative to other sweeteners like refined sugar.
Cardamom, a fragrant and versatile spice
Cardamom is a spice that’s commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and has a sweet and floral flavor profile. It’s also known for its versatility and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, it also has medicinal properties and is known for its ability to aid digestion and freshen breath. Personally, I love the aroma of cardamom, and it’s one of my favorite spices to use in drinks and desserts. In Panakam, it adds a subtle yet distinct flavor that takes the drink to the next level.
What to serve it with?
Whenever I make Panakam, I like to pair it with some spicy snacks like masala peanuts or murukku. The sweetness of the drink pairs perfectly with the heat of the snacks, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. This is a classic combination that’s dear to me because it’s a staple at every South Indian festival or celebration. The salty and spicy snacks help to balance out the sweetness of the drink, making it a perfect complement. So why not give this classic combination a try and experience the full flavor of South Indian cuisine?
Summary
As we come to the end of this delicious Panakam recipe, I hope that you’re feeling inspired to try this refreshing South Indian drink for yourself! Whether you’re looking for a healthy and natural alternative to sugary drinks or simply want to beat the summer heat, Panakam is the perfect solution. So why not whip up a batch today and let us know how it turned out? I would love to hear about your experiences making this traditional recipe, or if you have any tips or variations that you would like to share. Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation!
Here’s the recipe:
Panakam – A Refreshing and Nostalgic Indian Summer Drink
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Jaggery
- 4 cups Water
- 1/2 tsp Dry ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
- 1-2 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix the jaggery and water – Add the jaggery and water to a mixing bowl and whisk until the jaggery dissolves completely. Make sure to use warm water to help the jaggery dissolve faster.
- Add the spices and lemon juice – Add the dry ginger powder, cardamom powder, and lemon juice to the mixing bowl and whisk to combine. For a stronger ginger flavor, you can use fresh ginger instead of the powder.
- Chill and serve – Refrigerate the Panakam for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, pour the Panakam into glasses and enjoy! For a fun twist, you can add a splash of soda or sparkling water to the Panakam for some fizz.
