Kairi Panha | Aam Panna

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Aam Panna is a cool drink perfect for summer, made from raw mangoes. It’s sweet, sour, cool, and super refreshing. It is a popular beverage made during summers which originated in the Maharashtra. Kairi in marathi means raw mangoes and panha is the refreshing drink made from these raw mangoes. This drink is called Aam Panna in hindi as Aam means mangoes and panna is a the hindi translation of panha.

When we were kids in a hot city near the Tropic of Cancer, our mom made this cool drink for us almost every day in summer. No matter how tired you feel, one sip of this refreshing panha will make you forget all about it and give you a burst of energy and vigor!

To make the best kairi panha, it is most important to choose the correct kairis or raw mangoes. The mangoes need to be raw but starting to ripen to bring out the best flavor. This provides a nice pulp when making the panha.

The best part about this drink is that it does not require fancy and expensive variety of mango like alphonso mango. Any type of raw mango works perfectly fine for making a delicious Panha. This makes panha super affordable and easily available for everyone.

Today, I’m excited to share my mom’s cherished recipe for Kairi Panha with you. Make sure to give it a try and comment below with your earliest memories cherished with Kairi Panha.

Ingredients

Raw mangoes, sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, salt, ice cubes, water

Recipe Instructions

• Start by washing the raw mangoes thoroughly under running water. Peel and chop them into small pieces, discarding the seeds.
• In a pot, add the chopped mango pieces along with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and then let it simmer until the mangoes turn soft and pulpy, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
• Once the mangoes are cooked, allow the mixture to cool down completely.
• Now, transfer the cooled mango mixture into a blender. Add sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of regular salt.
• Blend everything together until you get a smooth puree.
• Strain the puree using a fine mesh sieve to remove any fibers or chunks, leaving behind a smooth liquid.
• Dilute the strained mixture with water according to your preferred consistency. Adjust the sugar and salt if needed.
• Chill the Kairi Panha in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
• When ready to serve, pour the chilled Kairi Panha into glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing touch.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair Aam Panna with some savory snacks like samosas, pakoras, or chaat for a delightful contrast of flavors.
2. Serve it alongside your favorite Indian meals such as biryani, dal rice, or paneer dishes to add a refreshing touch to your meal.
3. Enjoy it as a standalone beverage during hot summer afternoons or as a refreshing welcome drink for guests.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose raw mangoes that are firm and slightly green for the best flavor.
• Adjust the sugar and salt levels according to your taste preferences.
• You can also add a dash of Chaat Masala or lemon juice for that extra zing.
• For a more intense mango flavor, you can increase the quantity of mangoes used.
• To make it even more exotic, try adding a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm water.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture for a longer duration.

• Make a large batch of Kairi Panha or Aam Panna concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, simply add these cubes to water or sparkling water, adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to taste  and you will have an instant refreshing drink.
• Prepare the mango puree ahead of time and freeze it in portion-sized containers. When craving Kairi Panha or Aam Panna, simply thaw the puree, blend it with spices and water, and serve.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ripe mangoes instead of raw mangoes?

A: While ripe mangoes can be used, the flavor profile will be different. Raw mangoes provide a tangy and sour taste, which is characteristic of Kairi Panha.

Q: How long can I store Kairi Panha?

A: Kairi Panha can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to keep it in air-tight container to prevent any exposure to air.

Q: Can I make Kairi Panha ahead of time for a party?

A: Absolutely! Kairi Panha tastes even better when prepared in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Is Kairi Panha suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

A: Yes, Kairi Panha is typically gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. However, if you have diabetes, you can use the sugar free options like Stevia to sweeten the drink.

Q: Can I use bottled mango pulp instead of fresh mangoes?

A: While fresh mangoes are preferred for their natural flavor, you can use bottled mango pulp as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and other seasonings accordingly since bottled pulp may contain added sugars.