Paanak

Paanak or Paanakam is a Jaggery - Pepper based drink which is prepared widely on the auspicious occasion of Rama Navami i.e. birthday of Lord Ram.

I had not noticed this tradition earlier, but later when I moved to Bangalore, for the first time, on the eve of Rama Navami I tasted this drink along with Chitranna and became a fan of this refreshing,healthy and delicious drink.

Apart from such a religious day, I prepare this drink very often at home, as for me its better than any soda, canned juice or any other beverage.
These days I prefer this drink over any drink to quench my thirst. Often, I will prepare this drink,bottle it up and refrigerate it. It lasts for 3 days.
Because of the jaggery,lime and ginger flavor in the drink...it even tastes like sugarcane juice :)

Well, try it ,all the people who are novice to this soothing drink and  enjoy during hot summer days!!

• 4 Cups of Water
• 7 Cubes of Jaggery, grated
• 1 & 1/2 Tbsp Black Pepper Powder
• Juice of 2 Limes
• 1 Tbsp Dry Ginger Powder
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tsp Dry Mango Powder

• In a vessel, add water. Add all ingredients mentioned.
• Stir well till all the ingredients are mixed well. 
• Check for the taste and jaggery as per your taste.
• Let it refrigerate for an hour. 
• Strain the drink with tea strainer or just use as it is, fill in bottle and refrigerate.
• When serving, pour in a cup and optionally add ice cubes and serve chilled.

• Optionally add a tsp of Cardamom powder and JalJeera Powder to enhance taste.

Enjoy Drinking!! :)