- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to the boiling water.
- Cover the saucepan and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into cups and serve warm.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
- Calories:20 kcal25%
- Energy:83 kJ22%
- Protein:1 g28%
- Carbohydrates:3 mg40%
- Sugar:1 mg8%
- Salt:6 g25%
- Fat:1 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Authentic Jeera-Dhaniya-Saunf Recipe – Cumin, Coriander & Fennel Tea
Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes, after a big Indian meal – or honestly, any meal – you just need a little something to help things settle, right? That’s where this Jeera-Dhaniya-Saunf tea comes in. It’s a simple, comforting brew my dadi (grandmother) always made, and it’s become a staple in my home too. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a little hug in a mug!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cumin, coriander, and fennel tea isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly good for you. It’s a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for digestion, bloating, and even just general wellbeing. Plus, it’s super easy to make – seriously, it takes just a few minutes! If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe your tummy and enjoy a warm, aromatic drink, you need to try this.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:
- 2 cups water (approximately 480ml)
- 4 teaspoons cumin seeds (about 8 grams)
- 4 teaspoons coriander seeds (about 8 grams)
- 4 teaspoons fennel seeds (about 8 grams)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk seeds! These aren’t just random spices; they’re little powerhouses of goodness.
- Cumin (Jeera): Known for its digestive properties, cumin helps stimulate digestive enzymes. It’s also a good source of iron.
- Coriander (Dhaniya): Coriander seeds are cooling and help relieve bloating and indigestion. They also have a lovely, slightly citrusy flavor.
- Fennel (Saunf): Fennel seeds are fantastic for reducing gas and bloating. Plus, they have a naturally sweet, licorice-like taste that makes this tea so comforting.
Sourcing: Try to find whole seeds whenever possible. They have a much fresher, more potent flavor than pre-ground spices. Indian grocery stores are your best bet for high-quality seeds.
Regional Variations: While 1:1:1 is a classic ratio, some families prefer a little more fennel for extra sweetness, or a bit more cumin for a stronger digestive kick. Feel free to experiment!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get brewing! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping this in no time.
- First, pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, add 4 teaspoons of cumin seeds, 4 teaspoons of coriander seeds, and 4 teaspoons of fennel seeds.
- Give it a little stir, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. You’ll start to smell the beautiful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Finally, strain the tea into your favorite mug(s) and enjoy! A pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can be added if you like a little extra sweetness.
Expert Tips
Want to make this tea perfect? Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Brew Strength: Adjust the amount of seeds to your liking. More seeds = a stronger brew.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering is key! Boiling can make the tea bitter. We want a gentle extraction of flavor.
- Personal Preference: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the simmering time. 5 minutes is a good starting point, but you can simmer for longer for a more intense flavor.
Variations
This tea is a great base for customization! Here are a few ideas:
- Spice Level: My friend, Priya, always adds a tiny sliver of ginger or a pinch of black pepper for a little warmth. It’s lovely in the colder months!
- Festival Adaptations: During fasting periods (like Navratri), this tea is a wonderful, comforting drink as it doesn’t break your fast.
- Ayurvedic Adaptations: According to Ayurveda, you can adjust the recipe based on your dosha. For Vata, add a little ginger. For Pitta, add a pinch of cardamom. And for Kapha, a little more fennel is great.
Serving Suggestions
This tea is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light snacks.
- Think khichdi (a simple rice and lentil dish), a few biskut (Indian biscuits), or even just a handful of nuts.
- I personally love enjoying it warm, but it’s also delicious hot on a chilly evening.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Pre-Mixed Seeds: You can definitely pre-mix the cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds and store them in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Leftover Tea: While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently before drinking.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
Q: What are the health benefits of Jeera-Dhaniya-Saunf tea?
A: This tea is fantastic for digestion, bloating, and overall gut health. The seeds are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: Can I use powdered seeds instead of whole seeds?
A: While you can, the flavor won’t be as fresh or complex. Whole seeds are definitely recommended.
Q: How does this tea aid digestion?
A: Cumin, coriander, and fennel all stimulate digestive enzymes and help relieve gas and bloating.
Q: Is this tea safe to drink during pregnancy?
A: It’s generally considered safe in moderation, but it’s always best to check with your doctor before consuming any herbal tea during pregnancy.
Q: Can I add milk or sugar to this tea?
A: Absolutely! While traditionally enjoyed plain, feel free to add a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or a little honey or sugar to sweeten it to your liking.
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.