Traditional Karnataka beverage — ellu saaru made with sesame broth.
Ingredients
- sesame broth
- Sweetener to taste
- Spices as required
- 4 cups water or milk
Method
About this drink: South India has a wonderful tradition of functional beverages — designed to cool the body, aid digestion or boost immunity. This version features sesame broth. Famous in All Karnataka. Sankranti sesame broth — ceremonially drunk on the festival day Made during Sankranti.
Prepare sesame broth: Dry roast 2 tbsp black sesame seeds. Grind to paste with tamarind and coconut.
Sweetener: Traditional South Indian drinks use palm jaggery, rock candy or regular sugar. Dissolve sweetener in 2 tablespoons warm water.
Simmer gently: Do not boil vigorously as this destroys delicate flavours.
Add spice: Add traditional South Indian drink spices — dried ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, pepper or medicinal herbs as appropriate.
Strain: Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
Serve hot in cups.
Taste and adjust: Adjust sweetness, spice and consistency.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint, cardamom powder or a pinch of saffron.
Serve: Most South Indian drinks can be stored as concentrates in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.