Kokum and Pomegranate Slush

Before proceeding to the recipe its important for me to explain to many of you who will not be knowing what is Kokum and what is a “Slush”.

KOKUM

Kokomo is a fruit found in the coastal Konkan Regions of India from Maharashtra to Karnataka and is used exactly the same way as the Tamarind (Imli).

The biological name is Garcinia indica and it is a plant in the Mangosteen family (another kind of a sweet,edible fruit) which has culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses.(sourced from Google)

I do not unfortunately have a pic of the fresh fruit but as I said its used exactly like Tamarind,the fruit is dried and soaked in water for curries and gravies.You can buy Kokum Syrup in the stores or source it online.Its a dark – almost black syrup with a lovely,tangy taste.In many places they make Tamarind Sherbet and this is almost the same taste except its a little less acidic!

SLUSH

A slush is an uncarbonated beverage which does not have water added.It is made by adding the preferred fruit syrup,seasonings and Ice cubes in a blender and processing the contents till the Ice cubes have been crushed into a lovely and light consistency.It is then poured into cups or glasses and had fresh or frozen till needed.

Apart from the Kokum syrup I used Pomegranate juice easily available in the market for a refreshing taste!This is a great digestive as well.It has the taste of lovely “churan” and is best enjoyed after a heavy meal or even as an internal body cleanser and detoxifier!Lets check out the recipe now!

Idea inspired from a Sanjeev Kapoor recipe!

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Makes : 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Ice cubes

1 cup Kokum syrup

1/2 cup Pomegranate Juice

1 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder (Jeera) – freshly roasted and powdered/or use Jaljeera powder

1 tsp Black salt (Kala Namak)

2 tbsp sugar (optional)

4 leaves of Mint for garnishing

METHOD

In a blender add the syrup,juice,ice cubes and seasoning.Blend till the ice is crushed to minute crystals.Pour the slush into individual serving glasses and freeze till serving time.

Serve garnished with a Mint Leaf!