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Indian recipes and culinary adventures

Angoor Ka Ras: Sip on Sunshine, My Darlings!

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Angoor Ka Ras: Sip on Sunshine, My Darlings!

Namaste and Sat Sri Akal to all my lovely readers! Chef Curry Do-Pyaza here, ready to whisk you away on a delicious journey with something cool, refreshing, and utterly divine: Angoor ka Ras – Grape Juice!

This isn’t just any juice, my friends. This is a vibrant burst of flavour, a sweet symphony in your mouth, and a drink that brings back memories of sunshine and laughter.

When Do We Drink This Nectar?

Angoor ka Ras is a popular drink during the hot Indian summers. Imagine sipping on a chilled glass after a long, sweltering day! It’s also a delightful treat during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and even Eid, adding a touch of sweetness to the celebrations. Many families make it fresh during the grape harvest season, preserving the taste of summer for months to come. It’s a drink that transcends religion and region, uniting us all in its deliciousness.

A Little History Lesson (Don’t Worry, It’s Short!)

While grape juice itself has been around for centuries, its popularity in India as a homemade beverage grew as grape cultivation spread. Traditionally, families would crush grapes by hand or use simple presses to extract the juice. Now, thankfully, we have blenders! This homemade version is a world away from the overly processed, sugary stuff you find in stores.

Let’s Get Cooking! (Well, Juicing!)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (if you choose to cook it)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Angoor (Grapes): 500 grams (Choose your favourite variety – black, green, or a mix!)
  • Cheeni (Sugar): 2-3 tablespoons (Adjust to your taste, depending on the sweetness of the grapes)
  • Kala Namak (Black Salt): A pinch (This adds a unique, savoury twist!)
  • Nimbu ka Ras (Lemon Juice): 1 tablespoon (For a zingy freshness!)
  • Pudina Patta (Mint Leaves): A few sprigs (Optional, but highly recommended for that cooling effect)
  • Pani (Water): ½ cup (Adjust as needed for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy Peasy!)

  1. Wash Those Grapes! Thoroughly wash the angoor under cold, running water. Make sure you remove any stems.

  2. Blend It Up! Put the washed angoor into a blender or food processor. Add the cheeni, kala namak, nimbu ka ras, and pudina patta (if using).

  3. Add Water and Blend Again! Pour in the pani and blend until you have a smooth, pulpy mixture.

  4. Strain It (Optional)! If you prefer a clear juice, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. I personally like the little bit of pulp, it adds texture!

  5. Chill and Serve! Pour the angoor ka ras into glasses. Add ice cubes and garnish with a sprig of fresh pudina. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for the Best Angoor Ka Ras

  • Choose Ripe Grapes: The riper the grapes, the sweeter and more flavorful your juice will be.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the juice after blending and add more cheeni if needed.
  • Don’t Over-Blend: Over-blending can make the juice bitter. Blend just until smooth.
  • Get Creative with Flavors: Experiment with adding other spices like a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
  • Make it Fizzy: Add sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing grape soda.

Different Ways to Make Angoor Ka Ras

  • Gas Stove: While you don’t really “cook” grape juice, you can gently simmer the blended mixture for a few minutes (before straining) to intensify the flavour. Be careful not to burn it!
  • Induction Stove: Same as above, use a low setting.
  • Pressure Cooker: Not recommended for this recipe.
  • Oven: Not recommended for this recipe.
  • Microwave: Not recommended for this recipe.
  • Air Fryer: Definitely not for grape juice!
  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not suitable for this recipe.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

  • Calories: 100-150
  • Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
  • Sugar: 20-30 grams
  • Vitamin C: Good source
  • Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve chilled as a refreshing summer drink.
  • Pair it with spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
  • Use it as a base for mocktails or cocktails.
  • Freeze it into popsicles for a healthy and delicious treat.
  • Offer it to guests as a welcoming drink.

A Humble Request:

Now, my dear readers, it’s your turn! Go forth, find some juicy angoor, and whip up a batch of this delightful Angoor ka Ras. Share it with your friends and family, and let them experience the taste of homemade goodness. Let me know in the comments how it turned out and any delicious variations you tried! Happy juicing!