Aye Hai! Appy Days are Here Again!
Namaste Doston! Kem cho? Assalamualaikum! Sat Sri Akal! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back in your kitchens and ready to spice things up!
Today, we are diving into a beloved drink that brings back childhood memories and summertime joy: Appy! Yes, that sweet, slightly tangy, and oh-so-refreshing apple juice that’s been a staple in Indian homes for decades.
When Do We Say “Appy” Days?
Appy isn’t just a drink; it’s an emotion! You’ll find it gracing tables during Diwali celebrations, Holi parties, Eid gatherings, and even just a simple family picnic on a hot summer day. It’s a drink that brings people together, reminding us of simpler, happier times. Think of it as sunshine in a bottle!
A Little Trip Down Memory Lane
The story of Appy is quite interesting. It was launched in 1986 by Parle Agro, the same folks who brought us Frooti. The idea was to create a unique apple drink that was different from regular apple juice. They wanted something that was both refreshing and had a distinct flavor profile, and thus, Appy was born! It quickly became a hit, especially among kids and adults alike, and has remained a popular choice ever since.
Let’s Get Cooking (Err…Mixing!)
Okay, so you can’t exactly cook Appy, but you can make a delicious homemade version that tastes just as good, if not better! This recipe is easy, fun, and perfect for a hot afternoon.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (mostly for the syrup)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Seb (Apples): 4 large, juicy apples (Royal Gala or Fuji work best)
- Cheeni (Sugar): 1/2 cup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- Pani (Water): 1 cup
- Nimbu ka Ras (Lemon Juice): 1 tablespoon (for that extra zing!)
- Kala Namak (Black Salt): A pinch (for that unique Appy flavor)
- Adrak (Ginger): 1/2 inch piece, peeled and grated (optional, but adds a nice kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy Peasy!)
- Wash and Chop: Give those apples a good wash. Chop them into small pieces, removing the core and seeds.
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly. This is your simple syrup! Let it cool down completely.
- Blend it Up: Place the chopped apples, cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, black salt, and grated ginger (if using) into a blender.
- Blend Away! Blend everything until you have a smooth puree.
- Strain and Serve: Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the puree. This will remove any pulp and give you that smooth Appy texture.
- Chill and Enjoy: Pour the strained juice into a pitcher. Add more water if you want a thinner consistency. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve cold and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips for the Best Appy
- Apple Power: Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Sweetness is Key: Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your apples.
- Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of cardamom or cinnamon can add a warm, comforting touch.
Different Ways to Make Appy
- Gas Stove/Induction Stove: The simple syrup is best made on a stovetop.
- Pressure Cooker: You could pressure cook the apples to soften them quickly, but blending raw apples gives a fresher taste.
- Oven/Microwave/Air Fryer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Similarly, not ideal for Appy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 80-100
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Fiber: 1-2g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled in a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a sprig of mint.
- Mix it with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
- Make Appy popsicles for a refreshing summer snack.
Time to Get Appy!
So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and nostalgic recipe for homemade Appy. It’s time to gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and create a batch of this delightful drink. Make it for your family, your friends, or just for yourself. Enjoy the sweet taste of childhood memories and the refreshing flavor of homemade goodness.
Go on, give it a try! You will love it!