Aam Panna Recipe: Aam Panna is a tangy and sweet summer cooler made from raw mangoes. It is one of the most popular drinks in India, especially in the scorching heat, as it helps in keeping the body cool and prevents heatstroke. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this drink is not only refreshing but also loaded with health benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of making this delightful drink while adding tips to perfect the recipe.
Ingredients for Aam Panna
To make the best Aam Panna, you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized raw mangoes
- 1/2 cup sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt (or regular salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves (optional, for added freshness)
- 4 cups of water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Tip: Use raw mangoes that are firm and tart in taste. This ensures that the drink has the right tanginess.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Aam Panna
1. Preparing the Raw Mangoes
Start by thoroughly washing the raw mangoes under running water. This removes any dirt or impurities from the skin.
- Place the mangoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely.
- Boil the mangoes on medium flame for about 10-12 minutes or until the skin becomes soft, and the mangoes start to wrinkle.
Tip: To enhance the tanginess of the drink, you can prick the mangoes before boiling them. This helps the pulp cook evenly. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the mangoes mushy.
2. Cooling and Peeling the Mangoes
Once the mangoes are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool down completely.
- Once cooled, peel off the skin gently. The pulp inside should be soft and easy to scoop out.
- Discard the seed and collect all the pulp in a bowl.
Tip: Ensure the mangoes are fully cooled before peeling. Hot mangoes may become difficult to handle and peel properly.
3. Making the Aam Panna Base
Now it’s time to create the base of the drink.
- Take the mango pulp and blend it in a blender until smooth.
- Add sugar or jaggery as per your preference. You can adjust the quantity depending on how tangy or sweet you want your Aam Panna.
Tip: For a healthier option, opt for jaggery instead of sugar. Jaggery not only sweetens the drink but also adds to the nutritional value by improving digestion.
4. Adding Spices for Flavor
Once the base is ready, it’s time to season the Aam Panna with spices.
- Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and black pepper to the mango mixture. These spices give the drink its signature flavor.
Tip: You can lightly roast cumin seeds at home and grind them for a fresher and more aromatic flavor. Also, black salt enhances the taste of the drink, so don’t skip this step.
5. Diluting the Aam Panna
After mixing the spices, it’s time to dilute the mixture to turn it into a drink.
- Add 4 cups of chilled water to the mango mixture and stir it well until everything is combined. If you want a thicker drink, reduce the amount of water.
- For an extra refreshing touch, you can blend some mint leaves and mix them into the drink.
Tip: Make sure to stir the drink well, as the spices tend to settle at the bottom. You can strain the drink if you prefer a smooth texture without the pulp.
Tips to Perfect Your Aam Panna
- Balancing Sweetness and Tanginess: If the drink feels too tangy, add a little more sugar or jaggery. If it feels too sweet, add a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Mint for Freshness: Adding mint leaves will give the drink a refreshing taste, perfect for summer afternoons.
- Roasting Spices: Always roast the cumin seeds before grinding them. It brings out a smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the drink.
Read more: Chicken 65 Recipe – How to Make Perfect Spicy & Crispy Chicken 65 at Home
Variations of Aam Panna
There are several ways to tweak the Aam Panna recipe to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations:
- Sugar-Free Aam Panna: Use stevia or other sugar substitutes instead of sugar to make the drink diabetic-friendly.
- Spiced Aam Panna: For those who love spiced drinks, you can add a pinch of chili powder to the drink to give it a slight kick.
Tip: For the spiced version, start with a tiny amount of chili powder, and adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Serving Suggestions for Aam Panna
Aam Panna is best served chilled with a few ice cubes. It can be garnished with mint leaves and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder for extra flavor.
- Serve it as a welcome drink on hot days.
- You can also pair it with a light meal to help with digestion.
Tip: Freeze some Aam Panna in ice trays to make Aam Panna ice cubes. Use them in other drinks to infuse them with the flavor of mango.
Health Benefits of Aam Panna
Aam Panna isn’t just a flavorful drink—it’s loaded with health benefits:
- Prevents Heatstroke: Raw mangoes are known to have cooling properties and prevent dehydration.
- Aids Digestion: The cumin, black salt, and mint in the drink aid in digestion, making it a perfect summer drink.
- Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C, Aam Panna helps boost immunity and protect the body from infections.
Tip: Drink Aam Panna post-lunch to keep your body cool throughout the afternoon, especially in regions with high temperatures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aam Panna is a must-have in your summer drink collection. This tangy, sweet, and refreshing drink not only quenches thirst but also provides essential nutrients to keep your body cool and healthy. Whether you prefer it spicy or sweet, this drink can be easily tailored to your taste.
Read more: Chicken Pakora Recipe: How to Make Crispy Chicken Pakoras at Home
