Mamta's Kitchen

Kanji Ka Paani, Carrot & Beetroot Drink, A Popular Fermented Drink Of North India - Tangy & Hot!

Kanji Ka Pani

Mamta Gupta

EasyFree From GarlicFree From GingerFree From OnionFree From TomatoIndianSideVeganVegetarian

This hot and fiery drink is very popular in Northern India in winter months, the carrot season. Here in UK, it is more suitable for our summers. It is rather an acquired taste, you either love it or hate it. It's fermented aroma is also something you have to learn to enjoy. I have only ever met one English couple, who were brave enough to try it and then they fell in love with it! It is made especially for the Holi festival, the festival of colour celebrated in March/April in India. On Holi, it is usually served with Vadas, which are soaked in this water, rather than the usual yoghurt sauce.

In old days, kanji was made in earthenware pots, but these have now been replaced with glass jars. Served as an appetizer, it gets the gastric juices flowing!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 litre glass jar with lid

  • 2 litre hand warm water

  • 1-2 large carrots, peeled and cut into small batons (about an average sized mug full)

  • 1 raw beetroot, peeled and cut into small wedges (this is added for colour, so is not essential)

  • 1 tbsp. salt

  • 2 tbsp. coarsely ground mustard seeds, freshly ground. Old ground seeds can make the drink bitter.

  • 1/2-1 tsp. chilli powder, adjust to taste

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in the jar, stir well, close lid and leave on a warm, sunny window sill for 3-4 days. It will slowly ferment, get darker in colour and develop a slightly sharp, tangy taste. the crushed/coarsely ground mustard will rise to the top and float on the surface.

  2. Strain to remove all carrots and beet roots. Discard solids. Some people like to munch these carrots and beetroot, but I discard them. It is a personal choice.

  3. Adjust salt and chillies.

  4. Chill in the fridge and serve in small glasses before a meal.

  5. At the colourful Indian festival of Holi, Urad dal dumplings or Vadas are often added to Kanji.They can be added a few hours before serving, so that they can absorb the Kanji and become soft.This is called 'Kanji Vada'. See last picture.

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