### Jigarthanda Recipe: A Unique Beverage from Madurai Ideal for Warm Summer Days
Jigarthanda is an enjoyable and invigorating drink originating from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its distinct flavors and cooling attributes, this milk-based drink is excellent for alleviating heat during the scorching summer season. Its roots can be linked to the Mughal influence in Southern India, and it has evolved into a cherished delight, often called “jil jil jigarthanda.”
#### Ingredients
The essential elements of jigarthanda comprise:
1. **Reduced Full-Fat Milk**: This serves as the foundation of the drink, providing a luxurious and creamy consistency.
2. **Reduced Milk Ice Cream**: Traditionally crafted from the same reduced milk, it contributes a velvety aspect to the beverage.
3. **Badam Pisin (Edible Almond Gum)**: This natural coolant comes from the almond tree’s bark. It is soaked in water to generate a jelly-like substance that is both beneficial and refreshing.
4. **Nannari Syrup**: Extracted from sarsaparilla roots, this syrup introduces a sweet and fragrant flavor while offering extra cooling effects.
#### Preparation
1. **Reduce the Milk**: Start by gently boiling full-fat milk until it thickens and reduces to roughly half its initial volume. This technique enhances the taste and imparts the drink its signature light brown hue.
2. **Prepare Badam Pisin**: Immerse the badam pisin in water for several hours until it expands and achieves a jelly-like consistency.
3. **Make Nannari Syrup**: If not utilizing store-bought syrup, create nannari syrup from sarsaparilla roots, adhering to a recipe that extracts the herb’s essence.
4. **Assemble the Drink**: In a tall glass, layer the reduced milk, a generous portion of reduced milk ice cream, the soaked badam pisin, and a dash of nannari syrup.
5. **Serve**: Gently mix and serve cold. Jigarthanda can also be relished as a dessert following meals.
#### Variations
For those who cannot locate badam pisin, it can be replaced with china grass or agar-agar. Furthermore, while homemade ice cream is favored, store-bought vanilla ice cream can serve as a practical substitute.
#### Conclusion
Jigarthanda is more than just a beverage; it’s a rejuvenating experience that captures the spirit of Madurai’s culinary legacy. Ideal for summer, this sumptuous drink can be a delightful enhancement to your assortment of Indian beverage recipes. Whether savored on its own or as a dessert, jigarthanda is bound to enchant with its distinctive flavors and refreshing qualities.