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Apple Juice: A Refreshing ‘Saeb ka Ras’ That’ll Make You Go Wah! Wah!

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Chef Curry Do’pyaza

Apple Juice: A Refreshing ‘Saeb ka Ras’ That’ll Make You Go Wah! Wah!

Namaste, my food-loving friends! Kem cho? Sat Sri Akal! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to spice up your life with a simple, yet incredibly satisfying drink: Apple Juice, or as we lovingly call it, ‘Saeb ka Ras’!

This isn’t just any juice, my friends. This is liquid sunshine, bottled happiness, and a taste of crisp autumn mornings, all in one glorious gulp!

When Do We Say “Apple Juice, Please!”?

While apple juice isn’t exactly a Diwali staple, it’s a fantastic refresher during those scorching summer months. Think of it as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks during Holi celebrations. It’s also a delightful addition to Navratri fasts, providing a burst of energy when you need it most. Honestly, any time is a good time for a glass of this golden goodness!

A Little Trip Down Memory Lane

Apple cultivation has been around for centuries, with evidence suggesting its origins trace back to Central Asia. While we Indians might associate apples more with the cool climes of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, the humble apple has travelled far and wide. Juicing apples, of course, is a relatively modern invention, but the joy of extracting the sweet essence from this delicious fruit is timeless.

Let’s Get Juicing!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: (if you’re making it on the stove) 15 minutes

What You Need (Ingredients):

  • 4-5 medium sized Apples (Saeb), any variety you like! I prefer the sweet and slightly tart taste of Royal Gala.
  • 1/2 inch Ginger (Adrak), optional, for a zesty kick.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Salt (Kala Namak), optional, for a unique savory note.
  • 1/2 Lemon (Nimbu), juiced, to prevent browning and add a zing.
  • Water (Paani), as needed.
  • Sugar (Cheeni) or Honey (Shahad), to taste (optional).

Let’s Cook! (Step-by-Step Instructions):

  1. Wash and Chop: Thoroughly wash the apples. Remove the core and chop them into smaller pieces. No need to peel them unless you really want to!
  2. Blend it Up! Put the apple pieces into a blender or juicer. If using ginger, add it now.
  3. Add Water: Add a little water to help the blending process. Start with about 1/2 cup and add more if needed to get a smooth consistency.
  4. Blend Away! Blend until you have a smooth pulp.
  5. Strain the Juice: Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the apple pulp into the sieve and let the juice drip through. You can use a spoon to gently press the pulp and extract more juice.
  6. Add the Zing! Stir in the lemon juice and black salt (if using).
  7. Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter juice, add sugar or honey to taste. Remember, apples are naturally sweet, so you might not need much!
  8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the apple juice for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will make it extra refreshing.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for the Best ‘Saeb ka Ras’:

  • Choose Ripe Apples: The riper the apples, the sweeter and more flavorful your juice will be.
  • Don’t Over-Blend: Over-blending can make the juice cloudy.
  • Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties and add-ins like cinnamon or mint.
  • Drink Fresh: Apple juice is best enjoyed fresh. It tends to oxidize and lose its flavor over time.

Cooking it Your Way:

  • Gas Stove: You can simmer the chopped apples with a little water on the gas stove until they are soft. Then, mash them and strain the juice.
  • Induction Stove: Same as above, just adjust the heat settings on your induction cooktop.
  • Pressure Cooker: Pressure cooking the apples will soften them quickly. Just add a cup of water and cook for one whistle.
  • Microwave: You can microwave the chopped apples with a little water for a few minutes until they are soft.
  • Air Fryer: While not ideal for making juice directly, you could air fry apple slices and then blend them with water for a unique caramelized flavor.
  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot: A slow cooker is perfect for making apple sauce, which you can then strain for a thicker juice.

Nutritional Goodness:

Apple juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (though straining removes some of the fiber). Remember, moderation is key!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve chilled on a hot day.
  • Garnish with a slice of apple or a sprig of mint.
  • Mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer.
  • Use it as a base for smoothies or cocktails.

Now it’s your turn!

Go ahead, my friends! Try this simple and delicious apple juice recipe at home. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural goodness of apples. Share it with your family and friends, and let them experience the joy of a refreshing ‘Saeb ka Ras’! Happy juicing!