Ingredients :
- - 1 cup fresh coconut milk (you can also use canned coconut milk) - 4-5 dried kokum petals (or kokum concentrate, which is more readily available) - 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference) - 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced - A pinch of asafoetida (hing) - Salt to taste - Fresh coriander leaves for garnish - Water, as needed
Recipe:
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Prepare the Kokum Extract:
- - In a small bowl, soak the dried kokum petals in a little water for about 15-20 minutes. If you're using kokum concentrate, you can skip this step.
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Create the Solkadi Base:
- - In a separate bowl, combine fresh coconut milk, minced garlic, chopped green chilies, asafoetida, and salt. - Squeeze the soaked kokum petals to extract the juice, and add this to the mixture. If you're using kokum concentrate, simply add the recommended amount to the mixture.
- - Depending on your preference, you can add water to achieve your desired consistency. Solkadi can be thin like a drink or thicker like a soup.crust.
- - Stir everything together, ensuring that the flavors are well incorporated. - Chill the Solkadi in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- - Just before serving, garnish the Solkadi with fresh coriander leaves. - Serve it as a refreshing beverage alongside spicy Goan or coastal dishes to cool the palate.
Health Benefits:
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- Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and can be a good dairy alternative for those with lactose intolerance. - Kokum: Known for its potential health benefits, including being a rich source of antioxidants, aiding digestion, and promoting weight loss. - Green Chilies and Garlic: Both have potential anti-inflammatory properties and can support digestion. Solkadi not only adds a burst of flavor to your meal but also has a cooling effect on the palate, making it a perfect accompaniment to spicy coastal dishes. Enjoy it as a refreshing drink or soup, depending on your preferred consistency