Imli Ka Sharbat (Tamarind Drink) Recipe

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup tamarind pulp (imli)
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black salt
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
• Ice cubes (for serving)
• Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Tamarind Pulp: Soak tamarind in 2 cups of warm water for 30 minutes. Mash and strain to remove seeds and fibers.
2. Make the Sharbat: In a jug, mix tamarind pulp with the remaining water, sugar, black salt, cumin powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Chill & Serve: Add ice cubes, mix again, and garnish with mint leaves if desired. Serve cold!

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Nutritional Values (Per Serving - Approx.)

• Calories: 80-100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: 5% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

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Health Benefits of Tamarind:

✔ Rich in Antioxidants: Helps fight free radicals.
✔ Aids Digestion: Tamarind is a natural laxative and promotes gut health.
✔ Boosts Immunity: Contains Vitamin C and essential minerals.
✔ Regulates Blood Pressure: High in potassium, beneficial for heart health.
✔ Cooling Effect: Perfect summer drink to keep the body hydrated.

Significance of Tamarind (Imli)

Tamarind is a widely used fruit with cultural, culinary, and medicinal importance across various regions.

1. Culinary Significance:

• Versatile Ingredient: Used in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines for its tangy-sweet flavor.
• Staple in Chutneys & Drinks: Essential in dishes like imli chutney, tamarind sharbat, and curries.
• Natural Meat Tenderizer: The acidity in tamarind helps break down proteins, making it a great addition to marinades.

2. Medicinal & Health Benefits:

• Aids Digestion: Rich in fiber, acts as a natural laxative, and promotes gut health.
• Boosts Immunity: High in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
• Supports Heart Health: Helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Used in traditional medicine for treating fevers, colds, and joint pain.

3. Cultural & Historical Importance:

• Ancient Remedy: Used in Ayurveda & Unani medicine for centuries.
• Symbol of Healing: In some cultures, tamarind is believed to cleanse the body of toxins.

Tamarind isn’t just a fruit—it’s a powerhouse of flavor, nutrition, and tradition.