WARM WEATHER, SCHOOL VACATIONS and MANGO….Do you need any other clues for an Indian Summer ? Yes! I can relate to these three things when I think of summers in India and mangoes are the integral part of it. Mango pickle , aamras, mango chutney, mango-shake, mango kulfi or just plain chilled slices of mango…list is endless and so is the desire to eat this wondrous, yellow and juicy nature’s creation.
Indian Summer is not fun when sun is on blast and there is a frequent power outages. Outside chores can be very exhausting as the body needs proper hydration and nutrients to beat the heat.
Aam panna is a popular summer drink in north India. It helps to fight summer heat, keeps you hydrated, retains salt and iron in body, good for digestion and is a good source of vitamin C.
- 4 medium-sized green mangoes
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 tsp. Kala Namak (Black Salt), adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin Seeds Powder, roasted
- Green Chillies to taste
- Few fresh, Mint Leaves
- Few drops of Oil
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin Seeds
- Pinch of Asafoetida
- Peel and cut mangoes in slices.
- Pressure cook mangoes with little water until soft.
- When cool, grind the mango pulp with sugar, salt, cumin powder, mint leaves and 2 cups of chilled water.
- Add green chillies while grinding for little spice.
- Heat few drops of oil in a small pan, add cumin seeds.
- When started to splutter, add asafetida.
- Mix it in the mango pulp mixture.
- Taste it before serving to adjust salt and sourness.
- Use lemon Juice for extra tanginess.
- Serve chilled aam panna with ice.