Traditional Kerala drink — payasam drink made with diluted payasam.
Ingredients
- diluted payasam
- Sweetener (jaggery or sugar) 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 diluted payasam. Famous in All Kerala. Onam payasam drink — thin enough to sip Made during Onam.
Prepare diluted payasam: Prepare thin semiya or rice payasam. Dilute slightly and serve as a drink.
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.