We all feel the need to hydrate and keep ourselves cool during summers. Shikanji must be a go-to drink for Indians across the globe. However, as Indians, we love the change of flavors, so we keep altering between Kacha aam sharbat and even buttermilk, popularly known as chaach in India. But this time, we are here with a new and refreshing recipe. This recipe has a lot of variants to it, but ours is the best because we use Vasant Masala's Saunf (fennel seeds) that taste refreshing. Before we jump to the recipe, let us understand what fennel seeds are and their benefits.
What are Saunf - fennel seeds?
Saunf (Fennel seeds) is a spice harvested from one of the several types of the fennel plant. They have a strong flavor and aroma similar to that of licorice. It is a popular spice in Italian cuisine.
What are its health benefits?
Fennel Seeds are beneficial for women who suffer from severe menstrual cramps every month. Also, these seeds treat severe gastrointestinal problems. It is a reliable source for losing weight, Prevention from cancer and is a powerhouse of nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
You can use this spice in salads, curries, soups, desserts, and even on bread as a topping along with some garlic butter. In India, people use this as a mouth freshener as well.
Having discussed what fennel seeds are, their health benefits, and how we can incorporate them into our diet, let us discuss its recipe.
Saunf Sharbat Recipe
This recipe is perfect for summer. Saunf has cooling properties, and if consumed with water, it does the work of both, cooling the body and keeping it hydrated. It is sweet and refreshing to the palate. It contains other spices like cumin, cinnamon, black salt, sugar or jaggery, and jaljeera mix for that extra flavor.
- Preparation time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 5 mins
- Total time: 15 mins
- Cuisine: Indian
- Category: Summer Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approx. 95 cal
- Author: Vasant Masala
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Fennel Seeds
- 3 tsp Basil Seeds
- 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Black salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar (according to preference)
- 1/2 tsp Jaljeera
How to Make Saunf Sharbat?
- Soak your fennel seeds overnight in water, and soak the basil seeds separately in some water.
- After soaking it overnight, mix it in a blender.
- Strain the fennel water well. After you've done so, add crushed ice and stir well.
- Add in your crushed sugar or superfine sugar and black salt to taste. A pinch of cinnamon will only enhance the flavor, so don't forget this special spice. To top it off, add your basil seeds to the drink. Once everything is well incorporated, savor every sip of it!
Once you make this recipe, there is no going back. You will love every sip of this miraculous cooling drink. If you're a jaljeera fan, you can make this drink taste even better by adding half a teaspoon of it to the drink. Chaat masala works equally well if jaljeera is not available in your area.
The best way to savor this drink is by consuming it when cool. The water will hydrate your body, and the fennel seeds will keep your body temperature down. So, the next time when you're about to set out on a summer day, carry this miraculous drink with you and consume it throughout the day. It will make you feel fuller and energetic. Saunf Sharbat is a drink packed with flavor and goodness. Do try it out!