Variyali sharbat
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A cooling summer drink of fennel seeds, sugar and lemon, served chilled.
Region: GujaratOccasion: SummerTime: 15 min + soakingServes: 4Vegan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fennel seeds (variyali)
- ¼ cup sugar or mishri (rock sugar)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- A pinch of black salt
- Ice cubes
Method
- Soak the fennel and sugar in 1 cup water for 2–3 hours.
- Grind to a fine paste with the soaking water.
- Mix with the remaining water and strain through a fine sieve or muslin.
- Add lemon juice and black salt, chill, and serve over ice.
History
Fennel is a major spice crop of north Gujarat, especially around Mehsana and Banaskantha, and is used in many home remedies.
Significance
Variyali sharbat is drunk to cool the body in the hot months, and fennel seeds are chewed after meals to aid digestion.