Are you also the one who is always on a lookout for the spiciest and tantalising foods around? Indian cuisine is packed with such mouth-watering treats that will be spoilt for choice! From pickles and chutneys to fiery curries and tempting beverages, you know you are in for a delightful treat if you have any of these things on the table. Some of the most refreshing Indian beverages like jaljeera, aam panna, phaalsa sherbet and shikanji are not only refreshing but also give some relief in the sweltering summer heat.
Kanji is one such tangy Indian beverage that keeps our body hydrated and cool. Traditionally, kanji is a fermented drink, made with mustard seeds, hing, red chillies and turmeric. A hearty melange of healing herbs and spices that are known to boost the digestive system, kanji makes for a healthy drink too besides being delightfully tasty. It is usually stored in a ceramic jar and kept under sun for days to ferment and develop a spicy-tangy flavour. In addition to the traditional ingredients, kanji has seen many variations over the time. From gajar ki kanji to classic kanji vada during Holi, one can enjoy this mouth-watering treat in many forms.
(Also Read: Love Kanji Vada? Here Are 3 Kanji Recipes To Try For Your Holi Feast)
Here is a summer-special kanji recipe made out of watermelon peels that you can try at home. Since watermelons are one of the most loved summer fruits, it will be a little treat for kids and adults, alike. For this recipe, you can even use the outer layer of watermelon along with the whitish peel, which usually ends up in the dustbin.
This quick, easy and absolutely delicious watermelon kanji recipe is made with just about four ingredients, including spicy red chilli and rai powder. You can serve it on room temperature or chilled as well. Find the recipe below-
Ingredients:
-Watermelon peels of half a melon
-Water: 1 litre
-Rai powder: 3 tsp
-Salt: 5 tsp
-Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp
(Also Read: Watermelon For Weight Loss: Include These 5 Watermelon-Based Recipes In Your Daily Diet To Shed Those Extra Kilos)
Method:
1. Peel off the hard, outer peel of watermelon.
2. Cut the white-yellow part into small square pieces of 1 inch each.
3. Pour water in a ceramic jar (barni) or a glass jar with a lid; add all the ingredients, including watermelon pieces, to it.
4. Put the jar out in the sun for 4 days till it becomes tangy.
5. Enjoy this juicy kanji. Shake well before serving.
You may chill it in the fridge before serving.
Try this recipe at home before the summer season ends and let us know your experience in the comments section below.