| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 1g | 0g | 92g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 70g | 5g | 3g | 0.01g |
There’s something incredibly special about the Sweet Kencur Tea – a refreshing concoction of flavors, reminiscent of my childhood in Gujarat, yet laced with the newfound familiarity of West Coast palates. It offers the perfect fusion of my two beloved cultures, showcasing the sheer versatility of vegetables and the intrinsic benefits they pack.
Sweet Kencur Tea: A Healthy Choice
Truthfully speaking, whenever I make a batch of Sweet Kencur Tea and sip on its rich flavors, it’s like embarking on a flavorful journey. Plus, this delectable drink is not just a delight to the palate; it offers a myriad of health benefits that leave me feeling nourished inside out. The use of kencur root, for instance, highlights traditional Indian remedies in a Western style cold tea, bridging my immigrant roots with my new homeland’s flavors.
This root, packed with beneficial properties, promotes digestion and even holds antimicrobial properties, amongst other benefits according to Healthline. The pineapple and bananas add a naturally sweet touch, while generously offering vitamins and minerals to boot.
A Fusion Full of Flavor
It’s not just the health aspects that makes me adore this recipe so much. There’s a certain level of nostalgia that comes with it too. Every bracing sip of the Sweet Kencur Tea reminds me of the flavorsome Garlic Chutney my grandmother used to make back in India, with that perfect blend of sweet and tangy notes, punctuated by the mild spiciness of the ingredients she used.
Speaking of my grandmother, her dishes were the inspiration behind my love for cooking. And I reckon she would have loved to pair this Sweet Kencur Tea with some of her savory creations. Personally, I find it pairs beautifully with spicy appetizers. The refreshing, subtly sweet, and tangy profile of the tea works wonders in offsetting the fiery notes of these dishes, providing a balanced dining experience.
All in all, this Sweet Kencur Tea is more than just a recipe to me. It is a token of my heritage, a healthful beverage, and a testament to the beautiful fusion of Gujarati and Californian cuisines. Every time my family gathers to share a meal, it brings us closer to one another, making our dining experiences all the more joyous and meaningful.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 cups of water
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 4 leaves of pandan, knotted
- 6 pieces of kencur root, peeled and bruised
- 2 cups of tamarind juice
- 3 cups of pineapple cubes
- 6 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into slices
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by measuring and preparing all the ingredients. This includes bruising the lemongrass, knotting the pandan leaves, peeling and bruising the kencur root, creating the tamarind juice, cubing the pineapple, slicing the bananas, and preparing the garnishing mint leaves. Also, ensure you have a saucepan, spoon, serving glass and strainer available.
Step Two
In a saucepan, add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 3 cups of water. Heat it over medium flame until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Three
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the 2 bruised stalks of lemongrass, 4 knotted pandan leaves, and the 6 bruised pieces of kencur root into the same saucepan. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Four
After 15 minutes, pour in the 2 cups of tamarind juice into the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step Five
Add the 3 cups of pineapple cubes and the sliced bananas to the saucepan. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the fruits are tender.
Step Six
After the fruits are tender, turn off the heat. Let the tea cool for a bit before straining it into a large-jug. Discard the pandan leaves, kencur roots, and lemongrass stalks.
Step Seven
Once the tea is cool enough, divide it into various serving glasses. Add a couple of ice cubes to each glass before serving, and garnish with a few mint leaves. Enjoy your Sweet Kencur Tea chilled!
