Dry Ginger-Jaggery Drink / Panakkam ( பானக்கம் )

Dry Ginger - Jaggery Drink / Panakkam

( பானக்கம்)

Ingredients:

Jaggery (cane sugar ) (வெல்லம்) - 1 cup

Dry Ginger Powder ( சுக்கு பொடி)  - 1 tbsp

Cardamom Powder ( ஏலக்காய் தூள் )  -  1 tsp

Lemon ( எலும்மிச்சை பழம்)  - 1

A Pinch of Salt ( ஒரு சிட்டிகை உப்பு)

Steps:

Pound the jaggery into fine powder. Soak in 4 cups of water. Mix well and  leave it aside for 10 minutes for it to dissolve completely.

Run through a sieve / filter to remove any impurities that may be present.

Add in the powdered dry ginger and cardamom and a pinch of salt.

Stir well. Finally squeeze in the juice of a lemon. 

A refreshing drink is ready to drink.

The ingredients itself have a  cooling effect and the drink does not need to be chilled.

Traditionally tamarind pulp is added instead of lemon for that tangy taste. Also in another variation, a small quantity of pepper powder is added. Add chilled water if preferred.

My Notes:

Panakkam is our own, swadeshi drink. An excellent thirst quencher reviving your energy level and taste buds as well. Instantly prepared
Mainly prepared and distributed during big temple festivals in villages and towns. A coolant to beat the heat during the sweltering summer days. I remember drinking this during "Chithirai Thiruvizha" at Madurai, my hometown. During Chariot procession and other festive days when people throng the streets, Well wishers used to prepare this in large scale and keep the big vessel at their front yard and distribute freely to all the passers by to have a refreshing drink. We, kids,have had happy feeling of serving the public.
This simple drink is a must item to offer to Lord Rama on Rama Navami celebration. The drink is paired with kosambari, a type of salad which I shall post soon.
Recently at our satsangh, we had Sundara Kandam parayanam which is always ended with Ramar Patabhisegam recitation. I had prepared panakkam and it resonated the festive days in me. And here is the post.😊
Panakkam is a traditional form of our modern Oral Rehydration Solution. So with no festive or offering, go ahead to prepare this on a hot day and enjoy for a rejuvenating feel.
 Also can be served as a welcome drink or after a heavy meal as it aides digestion  😋