### Sattu Drink or Sattu Namkeen Sharbat: An Invigorating Summer Beverage
Sattu drink, often referred to as sattu namkeen sharbat, is a time-honored and widely enjoyed beverage hailing from the regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. Primarily crafted from chane ka sattu, or roasted gram flour, this drink is not only invigorating but also loaded with nutritional advantages, making it a perfect selection for the sweltering summer days.
#### What is Sattu?
Sattu is a flour prepared from roasted black chickpeas (kala chana) and is celebrated for its cooling effects. It is abundant in soluble fiber, rich in protein, and advantageous for the digestive system. With a low glycemic index, sattu is appropriate for diabetics and is often considered a detox food that assists in purifying the body and aids in weight management. Apart from chane ka sattu, various other sattu combinations are offered, featuring a blend of pulses, millets, and cereals like horse gram, wheat, barley, and maize. This nutritious mixture is especially favored by farmers and workers exposed to sunlight.
#### Nutritional Benefits
1. **Cooling Properties**: Sattu is famed for its ability to cool the body, making it ideal for warm weather.
2. **High in Protein**: The drink serves as a stellar source of protein, vital for muscle recovery and overall well-being.
3. **Digestive Health**: The soluble fiber in sattu promotes digestion and bolsters gut health.
4. **Weight Management**: Its low glycemic index supports weight control and helps manage blood sugar levels.
#### Preparing Sattu Flour
Although sattu flour can be produced at home, the procedure is quite labor-intensive. It entails cleaning and boiling black chickpeas, allowing them to dry, roasting them with sand, and then grinding them into a fine powder. An easier approach is to buy ready-made roasted chana, lightly roast it, and grind it to create sattu flour.
#### Variations of Sattu Drink
There are two main varieties of sattu drink: meetha (sweet) and namkeen (savory).
– **Sattu Namkeen Sharbat**: This savory variant incorporates ingredients such as black salt, black pepper, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, and mint leaves. It is a revitalizing drink that both quenches thirst and helps guard against heat strokes during the summer.
– **Sattu Meetha**: The sweet variant of sattu drink is likewise popular and can be enjoyed as a wholesome treat.
#### Recipe for Sattu Namkeen Sharbat
To prepare sattu namkeen sharbat, adhere to these straightforward steps:
**Ingredients**:
– 2 tablespoons chane ka sattu (roasted gram flour)
– 1/2 teaspoon black salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh mint leaves
– Water (as needed)
**Instructions**:
1. In a glass, combine the sattu flour with water to form a smooth paste.
2. Incorporate black salt, black pepper, roasted cumin powder, and lemon juice.
3. Mix thoroughly and add more water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.
#### Conclusion
Sattu drink or sattu namkeen sharbat is not merely a refreshing summer beverage but also a nutritional powerhouse. Its cooling effects, coupled with its health benefits, make it an exceptional choice for individuals seeking to stay hydrated and healthy during the warm months. Whether you favor the savory or sweet version, sattu drink is a delightful addition to your summer drink collection.