Aam Panna

Summers have hit Bangalore and the heat is unbearable. My apartment gets the morning sun which during the winters is a blessing, but for now it starts to get hot as early as 8 in the morning. Although I am complaining of the heat in Bangalore, to be fair it is nothing compared to what Northern part of India experiences. Temperature in May and June reaches a scorching 49-50 degree C and with the heat waves accompanying the high temperature, it is even worse.

Aam panna is a very refreshing drink which my mom used to make on a everyday basis in the months of summers and it was the first thing which was served when anyone entered the house, battling the sun and heat. Although the temperature in Bangalore never goes that high but it is still good to sip on this delicious drink once in a while.

As most of Indian recipes, the recipe to make Aam panna differs from person to person. Some add mint and some do not. Some peel the raw mango before boiling and some do not. I personally like to boil the mangoes with the skin on as gives a typical flavor to the drink and the addition of fresh mint paste takes it to a different level.
So here is my recipe to make this refreshing drink. Do give it a try.

All you need is

Raw mango - 1\2 kg
Sugar - 1 and 1\2 cup
Roasted cumin powder - 2 tsp
Black salt - 2 tsp
Fresh mint - 1 cup
Ice cubes

Method of preparation

Wash the raw mangoes and put them in a pressure cooker.
Add enough water to cover them and cook till soft. ( One whistle on high and 2 on low )
Cool.
Remove the skin of the mangoes.
Mash to take out all the pulp.
Do not discard the water.
Add 5-6 cups of water.
Grind the mint leaves with little water to make a paste.
Add ground mint, sugar, roasted cumin powder and black salt to the mango pulp.
Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
Adjust sugar and salt according to your taste.
Add more water if required.
Chill it for a few hours before serving.
Pour the panna in glasses.
Add some ice cubes.
Garnish with mint leaves.
Serve chilled.