Shikanji, also known as Shikanjvi or Nimbu Pani, is a popular Indian summer drink renowned for its refreshing and tangy taste. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- Juice of 3-4 lemons
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine water, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, regular salt, and ground black pepper to the pitcher. Mix well.
- Taste the shikanji and adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your preference by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
- Chill the shikanji in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, serve the shikanji over ice cubes in glasses.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Stir well before serving to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Shikanji is a perfect thirst-quencher during hot summer days, offering a delightful blend of tangy lemon, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices. Enjoy its rejuvenating taste as a refreshing beverage or as a complement to spicy Indian meals.
