Aam Panna/Green Mango and Mint drink

hopping in air-conditioned malls is the modern trend. If you have ever shopped old-school on the streets in India in the scorching heat of summer you would know that it gives the saying 'shop till you drop' a whole new meaning. Just when you have shuttled around twenty odd stores and looked through scores of dresses and hundreds of accessories and are about to 'drop' from the heat and exhaustion but still want to go to the store around the corner - who knows maybe they have the perfect accessory to go with the dress you just bought - you feel a serious craving for this drink. You crave for a glassful of Aam Panna to give you that much needed relief and recharge yourself. You start looking around for the nearest push-cart vendor or stall that is making them fresh and yes you are bound to find it around every street corner.

This drink basically comes from the streets of northern India and is popular because of its cooling properties. A nice and refreshing drink made of raw unripe mangoes which gives it a tangy flavor and  the refreshing mint that gives a cool fresh taste. Freshly roasted cumin for a smoky taste, the black salt adds the flavor which cannot be substituted by anything else. Complete with the right amount of sugar makes it a perfect thirst quencher.

Back home where I come from it is always made with roasted charred mangoes. Some people also boil the mangoes. It does work both ways, but the charring process gives it a nice smoky touch. Mom would make a big jug full of this Aam Panna during the months of late April and May when raw mangoes were found in markets in abundance.

A glassful of this drink can immediately relax someone from the scorching heat of the sun. It is said that you are less likely to get a sun-stroke if you load up on this drink. It is super easy and quick to make and needs some very basic ingredients that you can find in every Indian kitchen. It makes a wonderful mocktail to be served at parties as it can be made prior to the event, refrigerated and used when needed. Try this recipe for an amazing alternative to boring (read: unhealthy) sodas.

Ingredients: Serves 4

Raw green mango .............................. 1 large

Sugar ............................................. 2-4 tbsp (or to taste)

Lime juice ....................................... 1 tsp

Black salt (kala namak)  ....................... 1 tsp or to taste

Roasted cumin powder ........................ 3/4 tsp (fresh ground)

Chat masala ..................................... 1/2 tsp (optional)

Mint ............................................... 1/4 cup packed

Method

1. Broil the mango (keep close to the coil) on high till well done on all sides or roast the whole mangoes over an open flame, till the skin gets charred and the flesh is soft. Let it cool down and peel the skin (the charred skin peels off easily). Take off the pulp.

OR

Wash and peel the mangoes, chop into small chunks. Boil in 1/2 cup of water till the chunks are soft and tender. Allow to cool and peel.

2. Blend with lime juice and mint to a smooth puree. Strain it through a sieve, if desired. Add sugar, salt and cumin to taste.

3. You can store the paste in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days in an airtight glass or plastic container.

4. To serve, add 4-5 teaspoons of the mango concentrate in a glass of water and crushed ice, add some salt if needed. Give it a stir, garnish with mint leaves, ENJOY!

Notes:
1. The taste profile of the drink can vary widely by the amount of sugar and salt. The amount indicated in this recipe is the way it is most commonly made. Please feel free to adjust to your taste.
2. The mango used must be raw green ones for best taste.

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