Jal Jeera Recipe | Tangy and Refreshing Summer Cooler
Jal jeera is a tangy and refreshing Indian drink made with cumin, lemon, tamarind, fresh herbs, and spices. This popular summer beverage is loved for its cooling taste and digestive benefits. Jal jeera is also commonly served after meals to support digestion and add a burst of flavour. This homemade jal jeera recipe is quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, making it a perfect drink to enjoy during the summer.
Table Of Contents
What is jal jeera?
Jal jeera is a popular Indian drink known for its tangy, spicy, and refreshing taste. The word “jal” means “water”, and “jeera” means “cumin”. This traditional drink is made with roasted cumin, mint or coriander leaves, tamarind, lemon juice, black salt, and a few spices.
The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. Jal jeera is especially popular during summer because it is refreshing and helps to cool the body. Once you try this flavorful drink, you will often want to enjoy it again.
In India, jal jeera is commonly sold at street food stalls, often served in traditional earthen pots (matka). These clay pots help keep the drink naturally cool without the need for ice cubes.
Jal jeera recipe is also known for its digestive benefits. It is often served after meals to support digestion and reduce bloating. On hot days, a glass of cold jal jeera can help the body stay hydrated and refreshed.
If you enjoy refreshing drinks, you may also like Lassi, Lemon Water, Banana Milkshake, Turmeric Milk, and Masala Chai.
Ingredients
- Water- I used 4 cups of cold water. Normal water can also be used; later, ice cubes can be added before serving.
- Herbs- Fresh mint or coriander leaves (cilantro) are used in my recipe. But you can use only mint leaves, too.
- Spices- Cumin powder is used. I made fresh powder by roasting cumin seeds until dark brown.
- Ginger- Peel and chop the ginger into small pieces.
- Green chillies- I used fresh green chillies; you can use black pepper powder instead.
- Tamarind & Lemon- For a sour taste in the recipe. In place of tamarind, you can use amchur powder.
- Salt- Black salt (kala namak) is better to use than regular salt.
- Sweetener- Both jaggery and white sugar can be used.
- Boondi- Use salty boondi to enhance the flavour.
How to make jal jeera recipe
1. Take 1 tbsp tamarind in a bowl and soak it in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Now take a fresh 1/4 cup of coriander leaves and 1/4 cup of mint leaves. Remove all the stems and pluck the leaves, then wash them in clean water. Always remove the stems from them to reduce bitterness.
3. Add the leaves to a blender, 2 chopped green chillies, and chopped ginger.
4. Now add the extracted tamarind into the blender. Remember, all the seeds of tamarind are extracted before adding to the blender.
5. Add 1 tbsp water and blend to make a smooth & fine paste (chutney).
6. Pour 4 cups of water into a mixing bowl.
7. Add 1/2 cup jaggery to it. Mix well in the water till it dissolves properly.
8. After that, add the blender paste, 1 tsp cumin powder, 2 tsp black salt, and squeeze 2 lemons.
9. Mix everything well, then filter it with a strainer.
10. Pour into glasses and garnish with some boondi and chaat masala.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve jal jeera chilled for the best refreshing taste. Garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves or a lemon slice before serving. You can add some ice cubes to keep the drink cool on hot days. It pairs well with snacks like samosas, pakoras, fries, and chaat.
Store leftover jal jeera in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 2 days in the refrigerator. Stir the drink well to mix the spices before serving. For the best flavour, consume the jal jeera on the same day.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh roasted cumin powder for better aroma and taste.
- Add fresh mint or coriander leaves to make the drink more refreshing.
- You can adjust black salt and chilli according to your taste.
- You can use amchur powder in place of tamarind.
- Use cold water with some ice cubes, especially on hot summer days.
- You can add a few mint leaves to make the drink more appealing.
FAQs
1. What is the jal jeera recipe made of?
Jal jeera recipe is made with cumin powder, mint or coriander leaves, lemon juice, black salt, and other spices mixed with chilled water.
2. Is jal jeera good for digestion?
Yes, jal jeera is considered good for digestion. Cumin and black salt are known to help support digestion.
3. Can I make the jal jeera recipe without mint or coriander leaves?
Yes, you can make the jal jeera recipe without them, but they add a refreshing flavour to the drink.
4. Can I make jal jeera in advance?
Yes, jal jeera can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
5. Can I use soda instead of water in the jal jeera recipe?
Yes, you can add soda instead of plain water to make a fizzy version of the jal jeera recipe. It gives the drink a slightly different taste.
Jal Jeera Recipe | Tangy and Refreshing Summer Cooler
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mint leaves
- ¼ cup coriander leaves
- 1 inch ginger chopped
- 2 chopped green chillies
- 2 lemon
- 1 tbsp tamarind
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp black salt
- ½ cup jaggery/sugar
- ⅛ tsp chaat masala
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp boondi
Instructions
- Soak the tamarind in hot water for 30 minutes.
- After that extract the seeds from tamarind.
- Add clean mint, corinader, green chili, ginger, tamarind, and some water to a blender.
- Blend to make a smooth & fine paste.
- In a mixing bowl add 4 cups water and jaggery. Mix well.
- When jaggery dissolves add blended paste, tamarind juice, lemon juice, cumin powder, black salt, and sugar.
- Mix everything well and filter it.
- Serve with the garnish of some boondi and chaat masala.
Notes
- Use fresh roasted cumin powder for better aroma and taste.
- Add fresh leaves to make the drink more refreshing.
- You can adjust black salt and chilli according to your taste.
- You can use amchur powder in place of tamarind.
- Use cold water with some ice cubes, especially on hot summer days.
- You can add a few mint leaves to make the drink more appealing.
