Looking for a refreshing drink that balances tangy, creamy and spiced flavours? You must try the solkadhi recipe at least once. 

This popular, purple-pink coastal Indian beverage is known for its cooling properties, digestive benefits and tangy flavour.  Don’t know how to make it? Here is an easy solkadhi recipe for you to try at home.

This amazing beverage is super easy and quick to make. With ingredients easily available through any grocery app, you can create this cooling digestive drink right in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Solkadhi Recipe: Cooking Instructions and Ingredients to Order from Grocery App

Ingredients 

• 10-15 dried kokum petals
• 1 large coconut or 1½ cups thick coconut milk
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 2-3 green chillies
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Fresh curry leaves (1 sprig)
• 1-2 dried red chillies
• Pinch of asafoetida
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves
• 1½ tablespoons neutral cooking oil

With the right online grocery app, you can easily order all these ingredients and have them delivered within minutes.

Preparing the Kokum Extract for Your Solkadhi

Rinse the dried kokum petals under cool water and place them in a bowl with 1 cup of warm water. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes until the water turns to a deep purplish-pink colour. 

Gently crush and squeeze the kokum with your fingers to release more colour and flavour. Strain this extract, pressing the kokum firmly to extract all the liquid. Set aside this vibrant liquid that forms the base of your solkadhi recipe.

Making Fresh Coconut Milk

Your favourite grocery app might offer fresh coconut, which is excellent for an authentic solkadhi recipe. Grate one large coconut, avoiding the brown parts near the shell. Blend it with 1 cup of water for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to over-process. 

Squeeze this mixture through a muslin cloth to extract rich, creamy milk. For convenience, quality coconut milk from your grocery app works wonderfully as well.

Mixing the Solkadhi Base

Combine 2 cups of water with your prepared kokum extract in a large bowl. Add 1½ cups of thick coconut milk and stir gently but thoroughly. The mixture should turn a beautiful mauve colour - the signature look of authentic solkadhi. 

Next, add salt to taste, remembering that the flavours will develop further once the tempering is added.

Preparing the Flavourful Tempering

Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and wait until they begin to crackle and pop. 

Add curry leaves (they will splutter, so be careful), crushed garlic cloves, dried red chillies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns light golden. This aromatic mixture will transform your solkadhi from good to exceptional.

Finishing Your Solkadhi Recipe

Pour the entire tempering mixture, including the hot oil, directly into your solkadhi base. The oil carries the flavour compounds from the spices, so don't leave any behind. Add finely chopped coriander leaves and mix well. 

Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Your solkadhi is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately at room temperature or chill it before serving it for a more refreshing experience on hot days.

Conclusion

Your homemade solkadhi recipe is now ready to enjoy! This versatile drink from the western coast not only tastes delicious but also helps cool your body during hot weather. The simplicity of ordering ingredients through a grocery app makes this traditional recipe accessible to everyone.