| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 104 | 0g | 0g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of my favorite homemade non-alcoholic beverages, Pennywort Tea. Around the midwest, we value our farmland and love to utilize everything nature graces us with. This simple and refreshing brew is the epitome of sumptuous subtlety and natural nourishment. Its origin lies in Southeast Asia.
A Homage to My Heartland Roots
Although we claim the Pennywort Tea recipe from a region miles away, it effortlessly blends with our Nebraskan traditions. This tea is a testament to the vitality and versatility of one-of-a-kind, farm-fresh produce, just as much of our midwestern cuisine is. As locally sourced, wholesome home cooking has been at the heart of my upbringing, I sometimes enjoy this intriguing drink in the morning as a healthier alternative to coffee, or in the afternoons as a refreshing break.
A Blend of Nutritional Values
Pennywort Tea is not just about an exotic flavor profile. It’s a potent blend that is full of health benefits. The distinctive pennywort leaves are packed with essential nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and K, while also being a fantastic source of magnesium. Moreover, some breweries serve pennywort beer due to their nutritional content that contributes to anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive health benefits, which are some of the health advantages of this plant with centuries-old medicinal properties.
A Refreshing Combination with Heartland Comfort Food
This cooling herbal concoction is especially pleasant when paired with some traditional Nebraskan heartland dishes. Try sipping it alongside a hearty beef stew or a classic corn casserole. The cooling, citrusy flavor of the Pennywort Tea provides a well-needed break from the depths of the warm, even spicy flavors characteristic of midwest cuisine.
Nor is Pennywort Tea just an accompaniment. Sometimes, during the sizzling Nebraskan summers, I like to make a big batch and serve it as the star of the meal, accompanying it with just some fresh homemade bread. So whether it’s our farm-fresh heartland comfort food, or the refreshment of Pennywort Tea, we can all agree: few experiences are more rewarding than creating and sharing home-brewed culinary delights. And yet, Pennywort Tea is more than just a recipe – it’s a sip of sheer vitality. Nothing could encapsulate the heartland culinary experience more.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh pennywort leaves
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup honey (optional)
- Ice cubes
Method
Step One
Thoroughly wash the pennywort leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, roughly chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
Step Two
In a large pot, add the chopped pennywort leaves and the 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step Three
After 30 minutes, strain the tea into a bowl through a fine sieve, making sure to press down on the leaves to extract all the juice. Discard the pennywort leaves.
Step Four
Return the strained tea into the pot. Add the granulated sugar and stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved. If you prefer your tea a little sweeter, at this point you can add honey.
Step Five
After the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and let the tea cool down. Once cooled, stir in the fresh lime juice.
Step Six
Fill your glasses with ice cubes and pour the pennywort tea over the top. Your refreshing pennywort tea is now ready to serve!
