Traditional Tamil Nadu drink — Holy basil decoction — drunk during fevers and monsoon in every Tamil home.
Ingredients
- tulsi decoction
- 4 cups water
- Jaggery or honey to taste
- Spices as needed
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 tulsi decoction. Traditional Tamil Nadu recipe. Holy basil decoction — drunk during fevers and monsoon in every Tamil home
Prepare tulsi decoction: Boil 20 fresh tulsi leaves with 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp pepper and jaggery.
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.