Aamlicious! Beat the Heat with My Family’s Frooti Recipe!

Namaste Doston! And a warm “Kem Cho?” to my Gujarati friends! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to share a taste of sunshine with you all. Today, we’re diving into a summer favourite, a drink that brings back childhood memories and cools you down on a scorching day: Frooti!

This sweet, tangy mango drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a feeling. It’s the taste of carefree summer holidays, the joy of sharing with cousins, and the refreshing escape from the relentless Indian heat. You’ll find Frooti being enjoyed everywhere during the hot months, especially around Diwali, Holi and Dussehra when families gather and sweet treats are abundant. It’s a staple at picnics, parties, and even just a regular afternoon treat.

A Little Frooti History Lesson

Did you know Frooti was first launched in 1985 by Parle Agro? It quickly became a household name, revolutionizing the packaged fruit drink market in India. It was the first drink to be sold in a Tetra Pak, which was a big deal back then! Now, let’s recreate this iconic flavour in our own kitchens!

Get Ready to Frooti-fy!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large, ripe Alphonso Mangoes (Aam) – the king of mangoes, for that authentic flavour!
1/2 cup Sugar (Cheeni) – adjust to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your mangoes.
1/4 teaspoon Citric Acid (Nimbu ka Phool) – this gives it that signature Frooti tang.
2 cups Water (Paani) – for the perfect consistency.
A pinch of Salt (Namak) – enhances the sweetness!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Mango Magic: First, peel those gorgeous, golden Alphonso mangoes. Chop the juicy flesh away from the seed. Don’t waste any of that precious mango!
Blend it Beautiful: Add the chopped mango, sugar, citric acid, salt, and 1 cup of water to a blender. Blend until you get a smooth, creamy puree. Make sure there are no lumps!
Simmer to Perfection: Pour the puree into a saucepan. Add the remaining 1 cup of water. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir with Love: Keep stirring constantly for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents the puree from sticking to the bottom and gives it a lovely, cooked flavour.
Cool it Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Strain for Smoothness: Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any fibers and gives you that super smooth Frooti texture.
Chill Out: Pour the strained Frooti into a clean bottle or jar. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for Frooti Success!

Mango Mania: Use the ripest, sweetest Alphonso mangoes you can find. They are the key to the best flavour.
Sweetness Check: Taste the mixture before simmering and adjust the sugar as needed.
Citric Acid Caution: Don’t overdo the citric acid, a little goes a long way. It can make the Frooti too tart.
Strain with Patience: Don’t rush the straining process. It’s important for that smooth, silky texture.

Frooti Your Way!

Stovetop Simplicity: This recipe is perfect for the stovetop. Just keep stirring!
Microwave Magic (Quick Version): You can microwave the puree for shorter intervals, stirring in between, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook it.
Slow Cooker Serenity: Believe it or not, you can use a slow cooker! Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Pressure Cooker Power (Not Recommended): Pressure cooking can alter the flavour and texture. I don’t recommend it for this recipe.

Nutritional Nuggets (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 150-200
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Sugar: 25-35g
Vitamin C: Good source (from the mangoes!)

Serving Suggestions:

Chilled Delight: Serve Frooti ice-cold for maximum refreshment.
Garnish Glam: Add a slice of fresh mango or a sprig of mint for a touch of elegance.
Frooti Float: Pour Frooti over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Party Perfect: Serve in small glasses or shot glasses for a fun party drink.

Time to Frooti-fy Your Life!

There you have it, folks! My family’s secret to the perfect homemade Frooti. It’s easy, delicious, and brings back so many wonderful memories. Now, go ahead and try this recipe at home. Share it with your loved ones and spread the joy of Frooti!

Happy Cooking!
– Chef Curry Do’pyaza