Kanji: traditional winter wine

A sunny afternoon lunch in the garden on a North Indian winter day traditionally starts with a glass of kanji. This delicious wine coloured drink is an instant pep me up.

INGREDIENTS

250 gms red carrots

250 gms black carrots (if available)

1/2 Beetroots

1/2 tbs coarsely ground mustard seeds (Small red ones give better flavor) according to the quantity of water

3/4 cinnamon sticks , 4/5 cloves & 2/3 pieces 

dried ginger (Optional). Salt to taste

METHOD

Wash and peel vegetables. Cut into long slices. Pour 2/5 litres boiled water into a glazed earthenware byam (jar) or glass jar. Drop in all the ingredients, add coarsely ground rock salt (white of pink, not black) to taste.Tie the mouth of the jar with a white muslin cloth and place in the sun. Its ready to drink after 2 days. Enjoy over the week.  

Thandai

1.Saunf

2.Roses

3.Khus khus roots

4.Lotus seeds

5.Sandal

6.Kesar

7.Pepper

8.Cardamon

9.Melon seeds

10.Almonds

Method-Soak the seeds and almonds for an hour or less in little water.Grind in the same water.Grind all the spices separately,soak saffron in milk.Mix everything,add sugar or any natural sweetner.Ideally put chopped or crushed Rose petals and Saffron after preparing.Can add either water or milk or both.