This original Ayurveda lemonade recipe is an ideal option for anyone looking for something quick and easy to prepare.
Shikanji (also known as Shakanjvi in Punjabi, शिकंजवी in Hindi and شکنجوی in Urdu) is a traditional drink that is very popular in North India and Pakistan. They are mostly consumed in regions like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Sindh. This refreshing lemonade is made with freshly squeezed lemons and seasoned with spices to give it a unique flavor. It’s a delicious option to enjoy on hot summer days.
In addition to the names “shikanjvi” and “shikanjbeen”, this refreshing drink is also known by other names. The base of this drink includes lemon or lime juice, ginger juice, ice and water. However, shikanjvi is often made with additional ingredients such as salt, turmeric and cumin.
This term is also known as “paani limun” or “pani nimbu”.
This lemonade is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. In addition to helping quench thirst, it also helps reduce pitta dosha, which tends to be out of balance this season.
Each ingredient in this recipe has unique properties that provide specific benefits. Below are the properties of each of them:
Salt and pan are an excellent way to recover the minerals we lose through sweat. Its consumption helps us replenish and balance these essential nutrients for our body. On the other hand, lime or lemon juice has purifying properties that benefit our blood, thanks to its astringent and refreshing effect. Furthermore, these citrus fruits can also improve digestion by stimulating the digestive enzymes known as agni. Cumin not only enhances this effect, but also adds a unique flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
This lemonade recipe originates from India, more specifically from the north of the country. While it can vary by region, some common ingredients include triphala or poppy seeds. However, I selected a very simple recipe to share with you.
Ingredients (lemonade for 4 people):
2 limes or 1 large lemon
4 glasses of fresh water
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or unrefined sea salt
2 teaspoons full of pan (you can add more or less according to your taste)
10 or 12 mint or spearmint leaves
a pinch of cardamom
For maximum flavor in this recipe, it is recommended to squeeze the lemons. If you have the option, it is preferable to use lemons instead of lemons, as they offer a more pleasant taste. However, if you are unable to obtain lemons, lemons can also be used as an alternative.
To enhance the mint flavor, it is recommended to finely chop or crush half of the leaves in a mortar. This will allow its aroma and flavor to be released more intensely. However, it’s important to reserve a couple of whole leaves to use as a garnish in the final dish.
Put all the ingredients in a jar and mix well.
To serve your drink, it is advisable to use crystal glasses. This will add an elegant and sophisticated touch to your presentation. In addition, you can decorate the glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon.
To ensure your recipe is balanced and you enjoy all of its benefits, it’s essential to include all ingredients. However, you can adjust the amounts according to your personal taste. For example, if you find the cumin flavor too strong, you could try half the recommended amount.
Advice
It is important to avoid consuming very cold or icy foods and drinks. Although it can be tempting in hot weather, Ayurveda advises against its consumption, as it can interrupt and hinder the digestion process, which is a process that requires heat.
It is true that it may seem contradictory, but the consumption of hot and even spicy foods can help to refresh the body. These foods encourage sweating, which in turn helps us regulate our body temperature and feel cooler. When we consume cold foods, it is true that they give us temporary relief. However, we must bear in mind that our body needs to generate more internal heat to carry out proper digestion.
With information from ayurvedadeltibet.com