Traditional Red or Orange Carrot Kanji (Winter-Spring - Holi Special)

  

Traditional Red or Orange Carrot Kanji (Winter-Spring - Holi Special)

Winter and spring are replete with a palette of colors, new season's vegetables, and vintage traditional dishes that really please the heart. Among such treasures is Classic Red or Orange Carrot Kanji, a sour, probiotic drink as cooling as it is tasty. It is not only delicious to the taste buds but is also full of health benefits. This Holi style recipe is the perfect way of making your festival healthy and celebratory.

 

What is Red or Orange Carrot Kanji?

Red or Orange Carrot Kanji is at its best when Red or Orange Carrots are in season during winters and springs. Surprisingly, it is a bestseller even during Holi, the festival of colours. Its deep purple hue and slightly sour flavour are just apt for the festive mood of the occasion, so it is a favourite among people.

 

Main Ingredients

Here is what you'll require to make this wonderful drink:

 

Orange or Red Carrots:

o   Beta-carotene and anthocyanins (antioxidants) that boost eye care, immunity booster, and free radical protection.

 

Mustard Seeds:

o   Offers a pungent flavor and a fermentation accelerator that helps in gut care by promoting friendly probiotics.

o   Rich in selenium and magnesium that avoid inflammation and help in metabolism.

 

Black Salt:

o   Flavor and general minerals like iron, avoids anemia.

o   Helps in digestion and avoids bloating.

 

Red Chili Powder (Optional):

o   Provides a hot flavor and includes capsaicin, which boosts metabolism and can cause weight loss.

o   Rich in vitamin C, and enhances immunity and skin health.

 

Mint Leaves:

o   Lulls the digestive system and eliminates bloating.

o   Fragrant, refreshing flavor, and anti-inflammatory.

 

Coriander Leaves:

o   Enhances digestion and lowers blood pressure.

o   Rich in antioxidants, which protect against heart disease and overall wellness.

 

Raw Turmeric:

o   Has curcumin, a highly effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance.

o   Protects cells from damage, lowers risk of chronic disease such as cancer and heart disease, and promotes good brain function.

 

Lemon:

o   High in vitamin C, which enhances immunity and enhances skin texture.

o   Has pectin, a fiber that helps with weight loss and promotes digestion.

o   Acts as a natural detoxifier, cleansing blood and enhancing liver function.

 

Water: Fermentation basis that renders the beverage cold and beneficial for proper growth of bacteria.

 

Optimal Time of Intake

Red or Orange Carrot Kanji is best taken during winter and spring season when Red or Orange Carrots are seasonal. It is also beloved by people during Holi, festival of colors, as it harmonizes well with the festive mood through its brilliant purple hue and cold taste.

 

Health Benefits

This probiotic drink is not only tasty but extremely healthy as well:

·       Gut Health: Mustard seed and water fermentation encourages the development of probiotics, enhancing gut health.

·       Digestive Support: Coriander, mint, and black salt enhance digestion and ease bloating.

·       Immunity Boost: Vitamins and antioxidants (carrots, turmeric, and lemon) build up the immune system.

·       Detoxification: Lemon and turmeric facilitate body cleansing and toxin removal.

·       Heart Health: Turmeric and coriander reduce blood pressure and heart disease risk.

·       Anti-Inflammatory: Turmeric and mustard seeds reduce inflammation for overall good health.

 

 

How to Prepare Red or Orange Carrot Kanji

Ingredients

·       4-5 numbers of Red or Orange Carrots, peeled and thinly sliced.

·       1 tablespoon of mustard seed (grind coarse)

·       1 teaspoon of red chili powder(optional)

·       Add few fresh coriander leaves chopped.

·       Add few fresh Mint leaves chopped.

·       1 teaspoon of Lemon juice.

·       1 teaspoon of fine chopped raw turmeric.

·       4 cups of water

·       1 glass of jar (sterilized)

 

Instructions

·       Chop the Carrots: Peel the Orange or Red Carrots and slice them into sticks or thin rounds.

·       Mix Spices: Mix mustard seeds, red chili powder, mint leaves, coriander leaves, lemon, raw turmeric and black salt in a bowl.

·       Layer in Jar: Fill the glass jar with the carrot slices and pour the spice mixture on top of them.

·       Add Water: Fill water in the jar such that the ingredients are covered.

·       Ferment: Secure the lid of the jar and allow it to sit in a warm place for 2-4 days. Shake the jar gently each day.

·       Serve: Strain the liquid after fermenting, and serve chilled. Alternatively, you can serve the fermented carrots as a side dish.

 

Serving Suggestions

·       Serve chilled Red or Orange Carrot Kanji as a cool beverage.

·       Savor it with Holi's traditional munchies, Gujiyas or Papdi Chaat.

·       Finish it off with a mint sprig or a slice of lemon for the added zing.

 

Why You Should Give It a Shot

Red or Orange Carrot Kanji is not a beverage but a celebration of tradition, health, and flavour. Whether you are drinking it during Holi or as a winter detox potion, the recipe is sure to become your favourite. Moreover, it is a simple recipe and uses limited ingredients.

 

Final Thoughts

This Classic Red or Orange Carrot Kanji is a classic combination of taste and nutrition. Its bright orange color, tart taste, and probiotic nature make it a success formula for winter-spring season. This Holi, then, forgo the chemical drinks and opt for something natural like this wholesome, home-made snack.