Petha Shake: Sweet Nectar from Agra, Made Easy Peasy!
Namaste doston! And a big Ram Ram to all my readers from the heartland! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to whisk you away on another delicious culinary adventure. Today, we’re ditching the usual curries and venturing into the sweet, cool world of Petha Shake!
This isn’t just any shake; it’s a taste of tradition, a sip of sunshine, and a whole lot of mithaas (sweetness) all in one glass. For those of you who don’t know, Petha is a translucent, soft candy made from ash gourd, and it’s famously from Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. Just like the Taj, Petha is an iconic symbol of the city!
When do we enjoy this delightful drink?
Petha Shake is especially popular during the hot summer months, like Jeth and Ashadh, when the sun beats down relentlessly. It’s a fantastic cooler during festivals like Holi and Diwali, offering a refreshing break from all the rich, heavy food. Some folks even enjoy it after a long day of fasting during Navratri or Karwa Chauth to replenish their energy. It is also often enjoyed during weddings and other celebrations.
A little itihas (history), my friends…
The history of Petha itself goes back centuries. Legend has it that Mughal emperors were quite fond of it, and it was developed as a way to preserve the goodness of ash gourd. The shake, of course, is a more modern adaptation, a clever way to enjoy the unique flavor of Petha in a refreshing, drinkable form.
Okay, enough chit-chat! Let’s get cooking!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (It’s a shake, silly!)
Ingredients – Yeh hai samaan! (This is the stuff!)
- 200 grams Petha (Ash Gourd Candy), preferably the plain white variety, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups thanda doodh (chilled milk) – full cream or toned, your choice!
- 2 tablespoons cheeni (sugar), or to taste – adjust depending on the sweetness of your Petha
- 1/4 teaspoon elaichi powder (cardamom powder) – for that aromatic touch
- A few pista (pistachios), chopped – for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely crunch)
- A few strands of kesar (saffron) – for garnish and a touch of luxury (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional, if you want it extra chilled)
Step-by-Step Instructions – Aise banao! (Make it this way!)
- Prep the Petha: Make sure your Petha is cut into small, manageable cubes. This will help it blend smoothly.
- Blend it all: In a blender, combine the Petha cubes, chilled milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Blend, blend, blend: Blend until you get a smooth, frothy shake. If you like it extra cold, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! If it’s not sweet enough for you, add a little more sugar. If you want a stronger cardamom flavor, add a pinch more elaichi powder.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the shake into glasses. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a few strands of saffron, if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for Best Results – Yeh hai kuch raaz! (These are some secrets!)
- Use good quality Petha: The taste of your shake depends heavily on the quality of your Petha. Look for fresh, soft, and translucent pieces.
- Chill everything: Chilled milk and Petha will give you the most refreshing shake. You can even freeze the Petha cubes for a few minutes before blending.
- Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the shake watery. Blend just until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness: Petha itself is quite sweet, so adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
Different Ways to Make It – Yeh bhi ho sakta hai! (This can also be done!)
Since this is a shake, there is no cooking involved. However, you can slightly alter the recipe to make it more exciting.
- Gas Stove/Induction Stove: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Pressure Cooker: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Oven: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Microwave: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Air Fryer: Not applicable for this recipe.
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not applicable for this recipe.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
Serving Suggestions – Aise serve karo! (Serve it this way!)
- Serve chilled as a refreshing afternoon drink.
- Pair it with spicy snacks like samosas or pakoras for a delightful contrast.
- Offer it to guests as a welcome drink during summer gatherings.
Time to try it out! – Ab banao! (Make it now!)
So there you have it, folks! A simple, delicious, and refreshing Petha Shake recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out, experiment with the flavors, and most importantly, share it with your loved ones. This shake is a great way to cool down in the summer and enjoy the taste of Agra in your own home.
Go ahead, make this shandaar (amazing) shake and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking, and until next time, Khush Raho! (Be happy!)