Indian Lemonade (Nimbu Paani)

This summer, I am officially addicted to two drinks – Watermelon Smoothies and Indian Lemonade (nimbu paani).

What makes Indian Lemonade different from … well, lemonade?

Well, for one thing it has salt – usually black salt (kala namak), but sea salt will work as well.  Oddly, the lemonade doesn’t taste salty – it just tastes sweeter, but in a less cloying way.

Nimbu Paani also frequently has spices, usually cumin or white pepper.  I consider these nice, but optional.

Nimbu paani might be a bit of an acquired taste, but once you acquire it – watch out!  You will not want to go back to drinking “regular” lemonade again!

This recipe makes two quarts.  Because when I want a glass of lemonade, I want a TALL glass of lemonade.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh Lemon or Lime Juice.  (I believe lime may be more traditional, but I personally have a strong preference for lemons.)  If you like your lemonade really tart, increase the juice by another 1/4 cup.
• 1 extra Lemon or Lime, sliced
• 2/3 cup Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Salt or Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground White Pepper. (Black Pepper will also work, it just won’t look as pretty as you’ll have black flecks in your glass.)
• 8 cups cold filtered Water
• Mint for garnish (optional)

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.  Stir.  Add the water and stir again.  Add the lemon slices and just let them float in the liquid – they will add a little extra flavor.  Chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Serve garnished with mint if desired.

I highly encourage you to try this with black salt if at all possible.  Black salt (which is actually pinkish) can usually be found in your supermarket’s “gourmet spice” section, although you can buy it for much cheaper at an Indian grocery.  I will warn it has a very distinctive and slightly unpleasant odor – it’s what to use on your tofu scramble if you want it to taste like eggs.  When I first smelled that sulfuric odor in the lemonade, taking that first swallow required a little courage.  Fortunately, the lemonade tastes completely different than it smells, so do try it!

How long did it take me to become addicted to this drink?  This was my thought process:  First sip, “Whew, that’s not as bad as I was expecting.”  A few sips later, “Interesting.”  A few more sips, “Not bad, not bad at all.”  Last sip:  “I want another glass!”

Tagged as: black salt, Indian cuisine, Indian Lemonade, kala namak, Lemon, Lemonade, lime, neembu pani, nimbu paani, shikanji, vegan, vegetarian

Categorised in: Beverages, Indian & Indian Fusion, Vegan Recipes