Gond Katira Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink with Rooh Afza

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gond Katira Recipe – Authentic Indian Summer Drink with Rooh Afza

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat with a truly refreshing and unique drink, you have to try Gond Katira with Rooh Afza. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little piece of nostalgia for me. I remember my Dadi (grandmother) making this every summer, and it instantly transports me back to those carefree childhood days. It’s cooling, subtly sweet, and surprisingly satisfying. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gond Katira drink is more than just tasty. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. Plus, Gond Katira itself has some amazing health benefits (more on that later!). It’s the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day, and it’s a wonderful way to experience a traditional Indian summer cooler.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful drink:

• 2 teaspoons gond katira (Tragacanth Gum)
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups milk (about 950ml)
• 9 to 12 tablespoons Rooh Afza or rose syrup
• As needed ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients a little more, shall we? A few little tips can make all the difference!

Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum): Origins and Benefits

Gond Katira is a natural gum derived from the dried sap of the Tragacanth plant. It’s been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It’s known for its cooling properties and is believed to help with digestion and energy levels. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores.

Rooh Afza: A Nostalgic Flavor of India

Rooh Afza is a beloved rose-flavored syrup in India. It’s incredibly fragrant and adds a beautiful color and sweetness to the drink. If you can’t find Rooh Afza, you can substitute it with rose syrup, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Milk: Choosing the Right Type

I usually use full-fat milk for a richer, creamier texture. But you can absolutely use any type of milk you prefer – skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, or even oat milk all work beautifully!

Water: Importance of Quality

Filtered water is always best for soaking the Gond Katira. It ensures a cleaner taste and avoids any unwanted impurities.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make this drink! It’s super simple, I promise.

First, rinse 2 teaspoons of gond katira under water. Then, soak it in 2 cups of water overnight (8-9 hours). Don’t worry if the crystals are large; they’ll soften up beautifully.

The next day, you’ll notice the gond katira has transformed into a jelly-like consistency. Give it a good strain. If you’re not serving immediately, you can refrigerate it at this point.

Now for the fun part! In your serving glasses, add 3-4 tablespoons of the soaked gond katira. Then, pour in 2-3 tablespoons of Rooh Afza (adjust to your sweetness preference!), chilled milk, and a generous handful of ice cubes.

Give it a gentle stir, and that’s it! Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this drink even better:

Soaking Gond Katira for Optimal Texture

Don’t rush the soaking process! 8-9 hours is really important to get that perfect jelly-like texture. If you soak it for too short a time, it will be hard and chewy.

Adjusting Sweetness with Rooh Afza

Rooh Afza is quite sweet, so start with 9 tablespoons and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Chilling for the Perfect Summer Drink

Everything should be well-chilled – the milk, the gond katira, and especially the glasses! It makes a huge difference in how refreshing the drink is.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Gond Katira Drink

Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk. Almond milk and oat milk work particularly well.

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom, Saffron)

My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron to her Gond Katira for a more aromatic flavor. It’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Ramadan, Summer Solstice)

During Ramadan, this drink is a popular way to break the fast. It’s also perfect for celebrating the Summer Solstice – a cool and refreshing treat on the longest day of the year.

Serving Suggestions

This drink is best served immediately. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a light snack or a full meal. It’s also lovely on its own as a midday refresher.

Storage Instructions

Soaked Gond Katira can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to make the drink fresh as the texture can change slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions about this delightful drink:

What is Gond Katira and is it safe to consume?

Gond Katira is a natural gum that’s been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. It’s generally considered safe to consume in moderation. However, if you have any underlying health conditions, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before trying it.

Can I use a substitute for Rooh Afza?

While Rooh Afza has a unique flavor, you can substitute it with rose syrup. You might need to adjust the amount to achieve the desired sweetness.

How long can I store soaked Gond Katira?

You can store soaked Gond Katira in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What are the health benefits of Gond Katira?

Gond Katira is believed to have several health benefits, including cooling properties, improved digestion, and increased energy levels.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

It’s best to make this drink fresh, but you can soak the Gond Katira ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.