Summer's here! And what but a refreshing, natural drink like Jal Jeera can beat the heat and quench your thirst! Jal Jeera is a traditional North Indian drink made with mint, coriander, roasted cumin powder and other spices. This is ideal for summers and can be often found being served in many North Indian households.
The first time I had this drink was when I visited the husband's senior officer's home. It was served as an appetizer drink. I took the first sip and was like, 'What the hell'? It was spicy, sour and tangy, all at the same time and clearly, I wasn't prepared for the burst of flavors. But after a few minutes, I began enjoying the taste. It was truly refreshing and kept me hydrated.
Jal Jeera literally means Jal - water and Jeera - Cumin. During summers in India, you can find many street vendors selling this drink in earthen pots or matkas. The unique flavor of Jal Jeera comes from the various spices like roasted cumin powder, black salt, peppercorns, mint leaves, coriander leaves, tamarind, and lemon. There are many health benefits to this drink.
Jaljeera is also known as the Indian version of Lemonade. Jaljeera powder also is available in the market for ready use.
Health Benefits of Jal Jeera:
Drinking Jal Jeera in summers helps in cooling the body and reduce the excess heat produced in the body. Cumin is an excellent source of iron and prevents anemia. I am also told that drinking Jal jeera helps cope up with morning sickness in pregnant women. The black salt in this drink helps with digestion. The drink also helps in burning fat and is great for weight loss as well.
How to make Jaljeera at home:
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Jal Jeera
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder, dry roasted
- A pinch of asafeotida
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tamarind, seedless
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Boondi, to garnish
Instructions
- Add ¼ cup of water and blend together all the ingredients except crushed ice, Boondi and remaining water.
- Strain the liquid.
- Add remaining water and crushed ice. Mix well.
- Garnish with boondi and lemon wedge.
- Serve cold.
- Prep Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 0 hours
Chef says:
You can add honey instead of sugar.
You can also add abut ¼ teaspoon of chaat masala powder.
For a spicier version, blend2 green chilies along with the ingredients.
Sanchie says
Oh that looks amazing!! I'd love to make this but I don't know where I can get tamarind here.
AuraOfThoughts-MeenalSonal says
I am so thirsty looking at that jal jeera glass, will be having it first thing in morning tomorrow :))
Menaka Bharathi says
A perfect refreshment for summer...These also instigate hunger too so before a meal having one is perfect !
Launching SIM Organics This April
*Menaka Bharathi *
*SimpleIndianMom*
Kaddu says
I love jal-jeera. It's one of my favorite summer drinks. But I've never had it with boondi. Will try that next time.
Deepa says
We all love Jal jeera as it is so refreshing and we get those ready made packets with powdered masala. they are also good.
Roshan Radhakrishnan says
I do love this. Was surprised to see so many ingredients. Did not expect that 🙂
Jodie says
I have never, ever heard of this drink before. Sounds really interesting though!
Soumya says
I didn't know coriander went into this too! I always buy the powder available in the market, now I'll try this at home 🙂
And yeah, I'd be adding the chillies 😀
zainab says
I love Jaljeeras!!!!!!!
Sheethal says
I am not sure whether I'll enjoy this. So will try and come back with the feedback. 🙂
Tina Basu says
I am so tempted to have one now. It's so hot in here anyway. I love those mason jars. I need some - where did you get them from? I saw some on Amazon but they were very expensive!
Shalini says
Oh, it is crazy expensive online. I got it from a small shop here in Roorkee. It was just 75 bucks for one! Lottery! 😀
Tina Basu says
I am so tempted to have one now. It's so hot in here anyway. I love those mason jars. I need some - where did you get them from?
Mocktail mommies says
I absolutely love this drink. I have tasted it everywhere from the roadside matkas to high end restaurants. It simply refreshes and hydrates you. Now, thanks to you, I can make it at home too!!!
Ramya Abhinand says
The burst of flavours..makes my mouth water. The most appetising drink before a meal....
Sreesha says
Jal jeera, aam panna, and kokum are my summer favorites <3 You don't get the third one in Bangalore, but luckily I know how to make the first two 😀
I loved that jar, btw!
Lata Sunil says
It looks mouth watering.
Shailaja Vishwanath says
This is one of my favourite drinks. A restaurant in Bangalore makes it with a special twist. I never fail to have it when I visit the place. Perfect refreshment for summer. I hope you're making 'Paanakam' for 'P'. 🙂
Amrita says
I somehow don't like jaal jeer .I prefer nimbu paani as a cooling drink. Will try your version though