Summer so sweet
(gongura ower petals available as dried petals and powder form) that can be used to make chutney, cold tea, or a drink with crushed pepper and jeera thrown in for good measure.
To know more on organic ingredients and native summer drinks, call 9790516500 or visit @biobasicsin on Instagram
Summer drinks at Sandhai Alageswari S, founder of Iyal Vaagai, a 10-year-old environmental movement that drives home the message on sustainable living, brings Namma Ooru Sandhai, an eco-friendly monthly market that promotes organic produce of farmers from the region. Besides shopping for vegetables, fruits, native rice varieties, and millets, sweets, snacks, and savouries, people can also try native drinks like rose milk made by blending together paneer rose petals, grated coconut, cardamom, and grated beetroot. “You have to lter it, add a dash of honey and a complete summer drink is ready,” says Alageswai adding that the drink has calcium, builds immunity and the rose petals are cooling.
While at the Sandhai, also try manjal paal. This drink also has grated coconut, a piece of turmeric, ginger, and cardamom. “When ground together and ltered, you get rich and creamy milk that packs a punch. You can add naatu sakkarai if needed,” explains Alageswari.
Another drink is the nelli malli loaded with the goodness of gooseberry and coriander. “Farmers also add a slice of ginger, salt, naatu sakkarai, and red chilli to it. It is refreshing, nutritious, and cooling. Mint and coriander drink along with ginger, lime and a dash of honey, panangalkandu or naau sakkarai is another healthy summer drink.”
There is also thennai neera,(that has to consumed fresh) nungu-elaneer-sabsa seeds drink made with almond milk or milk from grinding sprouted ragi or soaked kambu. Are you game for sembaruthi ice cream? Head to the Sandhai to know more.
Namma Ooru Sandhai is on May 12 from 10am onwards at Corporation School, Cross Cut Road,Gandhipuram. Call 9942118080
It’s raining mangoes at the Mango Mania food festival at Jenney’s Residency. The menu will feature salads, live momo counters, starters, soups, and main course, all featuring mangoes in some form. Think manga meen kozhambu, mango pullissery, stir fry mango chicken, and malgova rasmalai.
On May 18 and 19, 12 to 4pm, at Urban Barbecue, Jenney’s Residency, Avinashi Road. For reservations, call 9500529333.