Aam Panna/Panha (Raw Mango beverage)

Aam Panna used to be a staple drink in our house in the scorching Nagpur summer. It is very rehydrating with tons of water, salt and sugar!

Ingredients:

• 1 raw mango
• 1/4 cup jaggery or sugar.
• 1/4 teapoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt or chaat masala to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder or cumin powder
• 1 mint leaf (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 3-4 cups water

Directions:

1. Peel and cube the mango and pressure cook with little water for 2-3 whistles.
2. Once cooled, blend the mango in a blender to make puree.
3. Add grated jaggery or sugar, salt, black pepper, black salt and blend again.
4. For variation in taste, add cardamom powder Or cumin powder but not both.
5. Add the rest of the water and crushed/chopped mint leaf and mix well.
6. Add lemon juice if needed. I used lemon juice because my mango was semi-ripe and not sour enough.
7. If the pulp is bothersome, then strain the drink before serving!
8. Chill and serve with ice cubes!

The drink is dependent on personal taste, so add in the salt ,spices little at a time, according to your taste buds!. I like mine sweet and sour and vivek likes his super sour! The drink will not look this yellowish with raw mango.

Enjoy in the summer heat!!