Garmi Mein Thandak: Refreshing Litchi ka Sharbat, Just Like Grandma Used to Make!

Namaste Doston! Kem cho? Sat Sri Akal! Vanakkam!

Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back in your kitchens and ready to chase away the summer heat with a delightful drink that’s close to my heart: Litchi ka Sharbat! This isn’t just a drink; it’s a sweet memory, a taste of childhood summers spent playing in the mango groves, and a refreshing treat that brings families together.

Litchi ka Sharbat is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of summer! You’ll find it gracing tables during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and even Raksha Bandhan. It’s the perfect welcome drink for guests on a scorching afternoon, and a delicious way to cool down after a long day of festivities. In many Indian homes, offering a glass of sharbat to guests is a sign of hospitality and warmth.

A Little Sip of History

While litchis themselves are believed to have originated in China, their sweet, delicate flavor quickly made its way across Asia, including our beloved Bharat. The art of making sharbat, a concentrated sweet syrup diluted with water or milk, has been around for centuries. Litchi ka Sharbat is a relatively newer addition, but it has quickly become a summer staple in many Indian households, passed down through generations of loving grandmothers and mothers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

500 grams Litchi (Lychee), peeled and pitted
1 cup Cheeni (Sugar)
1/2 cup Paani (Water)
1 Nimbu ka Ras (Lemon Juice)
1/4 teaspoon Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder)
Pinch of Kala Namak (Black Salt)
Ice cubes for serving
Optional: Few strands of Kesar (Saffron) for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

Blend the Litchis: In a blender, add the peeled and pitted litchis. Blend until you have a smooth, luscious puree.
Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until the syrup slightly thickens.
Combine and Simmer: Add the litchi puree to the sugar syrup. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add the Zing: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, cardamom powder, and black salt. The lemon juice adds a delightful tang, while the cardamom and black salt enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator. This concentrate can last for several weeks.
Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, pour about 2-3 tablespoons of the litchi concentrate into a glass. Add ice cubes and top with chilled water or soda. Stir well and garnish with a few strands of saffron, if desired.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for a Perfect Sharbat:

Use Ripe Litchis: The riper the litchis, the sweeter and more flavorful your sharbat will be.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Taste the syrup while it’s simmering and add more sugar if needed.
Strain for Smoothness: For an extra smooth sharbat, you can strain the litchi puree before adding it to the sugar syrup.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or mint to customize your sharbat.

Different Ways to Make Litchi ka Sharbat:

Gas Stove: The classic method, as described above. Easy and reliable.
Induction Stove: Works just as well as a gas stove. Just adjust the heat settings accordingly.
Microwave: You can make the sugar syrup in the microwave. Combine sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute, until the sugar is dissolved. Then, follow the remaining steps.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not recommended for this recipe as the cooking time is too short.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 120-150
Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Sugar: 25-35 grams
Vitamin C: Varies depending on the amount of litchi used

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled as a refreshing summer drink.
Use it as a base for cocktails or mocktails.
Drizzle it over ice cream or kulfi for a delightful dessert.
Mix it with yogurt to make a delicious lassi.

So there you have it, folks! My simple, yet incredibly delicious, recipe for Litchi ka Sharbat. It’s a taste of home, a sip of summer, and a perfect way to cool down and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Now, go on and try this recipe at home! Make it for your family, your friends, and share the joy of a truly refreshing Indian drink.

Happy Cooking, and stay cool!

Your friend,
Chef Curry Do’pyaza.